What makes Shohei Ohtani's postseason debut so historic?

Shohei Ohtani is set to become the first true two-way player to star in the postseason since Babe Ruth, as he will both pitch and hit for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

How have the Philadelphia Phillies prepared to face Ohtani?

The Phillies recently faced Ohtani and saw his dominance firsthand, so they are hoping their recent familiarity will give them an edge. They plan to be more patient and selective at the plate to try to get into the Dodgers' bullpen.

What impact will Ohtani's return from injury have on the Dodgers' pitching rotation?

Ohtani's return from his second Tommy John surgery has bolstered the Dodgers' rotation, which is now being described as a "three-headed beast" with Ohtani, Blake Snell, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Home / Sports / Shohei Ohtani Poised for Historic Postseason Debut as Two-Way Player

Shohei Ohtani Poised for Historic Postseason Debut as Two-Way Player

4 Oct

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Summary

Shohei Ohtani making first postseason pitching appearance
Ohtani led Dodgers to World Series title last year as DH
Phillies aim to exploit Ohtani's recent return from injury

On October 5, 2025, the baseball world will witness a historic moment as Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way phenom, takes the mound for his first-ever postseason pitching appearance. Ohtani, who made his major league debut for the Los Angeles Angels back in March 2018, has since become one of the most dominant players in the game.

In the seven years since his debut, Ohtani has accomplished feats that have cemented his status as the "greatest show on Earth." He made history last year by becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, leading the Dodgers to a World Series championship. Now, he'll look to add another chapter to his legacy by becoming the first true two-way player to star in the postseason since Babe Ruth.

The Philadelphia Phillies, who will face Ohtani and the Dodgers in the National League Division Series, are well aware of the challenge they face. The Phillies recently saw Ohtani's dominance firsthand, as he pitched five no-hit innings against them just three weeks ago. Phillies manager Rob Thomson praised Ohtani's combination of power, control, and stuff, calling him a "tough task" for any lineup.

However, the Phillies are hoping their recent familiarity with Ohtani will give them an edge this time around. They vow to be more patient and selective at the plate, trying to get into the Dodgers' bullpen and avoid a long, frustrating night against the two-way superstar. As Ohtani himself said, "We're going to find out" how the Phillies fare against him in the high-stakes postseason matchup.

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