The Los Angeles Dodgers are preparing for game one of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Friday.
After defeating the New York Mets in six games in the National League Championship Series, the Dodgers will have a home-field advantage against the Yankees in the World Series.
The Dodgers have dealt with multiple key pitching injuries this season including starters Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw.
Rumors have been swirling about the possibility of Dodgers’ star Shohei Ohtani making his season debut on the mound during this World Series.
According to FOX Sports: MLB on ‘X,’ Dodgers’ Manager Dave Roberts says, “There is no possibility,” when speaking about Ohtani pitching in the World Series.
“There is no possibility” of Shohei Ohtani pitching in the World Series, Dave Roberts confirms. pic.twitter.com/uKff3JbWlY
Ohtani has not pitched at all in the 2024 season due to undergoing right elbow surgery that he is still recovering from.
The talk of Major League Baseball when Ohtani entered the league was his ability to be a dominant batter and pitcher, the first to do so since Babe Ruth.
Not pitching in the regular season may have given Ohtani’s offensive numbers a boost as he posted the first season of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in MLB history.
Even with all of the pitching injuries, Roberts appears to say there is no chance that Ohtani will pitch until at least next season.
Ohtani will still likely be a key player in this series at the plate as the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter.
He finished the NLCS with eight hits in 22 at-bats with two home runs, six runs batted in, nine runs scored, and nine walks while striking out seven times.