'No possibility' Ohtani will pitch in 2024 World Series
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed right before the World Series that Shohei Ohtani won’t pitch this Fall Classic.
“There’s no possibility, none whatsoever,” Roberts stated at Dodger Stadium on Thursday. “Thank you for asking.”
Recovering from elbow surgery, Ohtani has only been hitting this season, yet still made history with 54 homers and 59 steals. Speculation about him pitching intensified as he progressed, but Ohtani clarified on Thursday that pitching was never discussed.
“I’ve never said to them that I wanted to pitch in the postseason,” he said through interpreter Will Ireton.
Though out of the bullpen for now, Ohtani’s pitching talent remains a key future asset.
The Dodgers and Yankees are set to face off in a coast-to-coast showdown in the World Series, their first matchup here since 1981. The best-of-seven series kicks off Friday at Dodger Stadium, reigniting one of Major League Baseball’s classic rivalries.
“It’s finally upon us and I’m excited,” Ohtani shared as he celebrated winning his second MVP award from Sporting News. His achievement of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases—unprecedented in MLB history—solidified his status as a standout. Ultimately, he closed the season with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases.
In a close race, Ohtani was chosen as MVP over Yankees star Aaron Judge, who tallied 58 homers this season. “I hope to win this series and enjoy the best finale to the season. It’s huge both in terms of topping off the year, and as part of my baseball career,” Ohtani said with anticipation.
Having idolized former Yankee Hideki Matsui as a child, Ohtani expressed excitement about facing Judge and the Yankees in this series.
This season, Ohtani delivered the first-ever 50-home-run, 50-steal season, closing out with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases. His performance, particularly in September, set him apart as a true force in the league.
Shohei Ohtani regular season stats: .310/.390/.646, 1.036 OPS, 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, 38 doubles, 7 triples, 134 runs scored, 6 hit-by-pitches, 59 stolen bases over 636 at-bats
Shohei Ohtani 2024 postseason stats: .226/.351/.419, .771 OPS, 3 home runs, 8 RBIs, 6 runs scored across 31 at-bats
Ohtani’s record-breaking season has kept fans eager for what’s to come in this World Series and beyond, with his batting achievements only adding to his legend as both a slugger and a potential future pitching phenom.
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