Dodgers' Ace Ohtani Aims to Ignite Playoff Run on the Mound

As of October 18th, 2025, Shohei Ohtani, the three-time MVP of the Los Angeles Dodgers, is in a significant slump at the plate during the team's impressive playoff run. Despite his fearsome regular-season performance, which saw him hit 55 home runs, Ohtani has struggled to contribute with his bat, managing just two homers and six RBIs in the postseason so far.

However, Ohtani's unique abilities as a two-way player give the Dodgers an opportunity to utilize his pitching prowess. Manager Dave Roberts has expressed confidence in Ohtani's ability to make his mark on the series when he takes the mound for Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. Roberts has stated that Ohtani will have "no limitations" and could potentially throw up to 100 pitches.

The Dodgers' rotation has been phenomenal in the playoffs, holding batters to a record-low .173 average in September and allowing just 10 earned runs in 58 1/3 innings with 71 strikeouts over their first nine postseason games. Ohtani will be looking to match the success of his fellow starters and help the Dodgers reach their fifth World Series appearance in nine years.