When Shohei Ohtani, the 30‑year‑old Japanese two‑way star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, steps onto the mound for Game 4 of the National League Championship SeriesDodger Stadium on Oct 15, 2025, manager Dave Roberts confirmed there will be no pitch‑count ceiling. The decision comes as Ohtani battles a postseason slump at the plate, yet remains confident his pitching duties aren’t to blame.
Background: Ohtani’s Return to Pitching
After missing almost two full seasons as a pitcher following Tommy John surgery in Oct 2023, Ohtani made his first mound appearance on June 16, 2025, tossing a single inning against the San Diego Padres. The Dodgers monitored his mechanics, velocity, and fatigue metrics closely. By September, he was logging six‑inning starts, peaking at 101 pitches in his final regular‑season outing on Sept 28, 2025.
The 10‑year, $700 million contract signed in Dec 2023 gave Los Angeles the flexibility to use Ohtani as both a middle‑order bat and a starter when health allowed. Team physician Dr. Luis Alvarez (not marked) noted that "the data showed a steady rise in durability without compromising arm health," a sentiment echoed by the coaching staff.
Game 4 Pitching Plan and No Limits
Roberts told reporters, "We’ve seen him go seven innings twice this year, so a 100‑plus pitch count isn’t a ceiling for him. It's all about how he feels on the day." The Dodgers have opted to rest Blake Snell in Game 4 after his five‑inning start in Game 2, preserving his arm for a potential World Series appearance.
- Projected start: Ohtani vs. Brewers’ ace Corbin Burnes (not marked).
- Projected innings: 6‑7, depending on early runs.
- Pitch‑type mix: fastball averaging 94 mph, curveball, and splitter.
- Defensive alignment: standard 9‑man with Mookie Betts in left field.
The team’s analytics department will track spin rate and release point in real time, ready to pull him if fatigue spikes. "We trust the process," Roberts added, "and we trust Shohei’s preparation."
Postseason Hitting Struggles
Through eight NLCS games, Ohtani’s bat is sitting at a .147 average with 15 strikeouts in 34 at‑bats, according to MLB’s official stats. He went 2‑for‑25 with 12 strikeouts in the series before snapping a 15‑at‑bat hitless streak with a RBI single in Game 2.
When asked if the dual role was weighing on his swing, Ohtani, speaking through his interpreter, said, "I don’t necessarily think the pitching has affected my hitting performance. It’s a constant work in progress – the stance, the mechanics."
Baseball analyst John Anderson (not marked) noted, "The strikeout surge aligns with facing more left‑handed relievers, but Ohtani’s plate discipline hasn't changed dramatically. It's a small‑sample size, but the numbers are concerning."
Reactions from Dodgers and Opponents
Roberts was quick to separate the two issues, stating, "No, not at all. It’s just one game for Shohei to pitch this series, then we have two other guys on regular rest."
Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell (not marked) praised the Dodgers’ flexibility, saying, "Having a player who can both pitch and hit at that level gives them a strategic edge we have to respect."
Meanwhile, teammate Freddie Freeman (not marked) joked in the clubhouse, "Shohei’s going to throw heat, and we’ll just have to pray he brings the swing back after."
What’s at Stake in the NLCS
The winner of this best‑of‑seven series moves on to the World Series. A Dodgers victory would mark the first NLCS title since 2020 and give Los Angeles a chance to clinch their second World Series in three years.
For the Brewers, who have not won a pennant since 1982, a win would signal a franchise resurgence. Their ace, Corbin Burnes, has been dominant all postseason, posting a 1.95 ERA through five starts.
Both clubs are aware that Game 4 could tilt the momentum dramatically. Ohtani’s length on the mound may force the Brewers to reach deeper into their bullpen, while his batting slump looms as a potential liability.
Key Facts
- Date: Oct 15, 2025
- Venue: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
- Pitcher: Shohei Ohtani – no pitch‑count limit
- Postseason Batting Avg: .147 (15 K in 34 AB)
- Series Opponent: Milwaukee Brewers
Frequently Asked Questions
How might Ohtani’s unlimited pitch count affect his hitting performance?
While fatigue can bleed into a batter’s timing, Ohtani’s own assessment suggests the two are separate. His recent bullpen work shows a modest dip in velocity after six innings, but his swing mechanics haven’t changed, according to Dodgers’ hitting coach.
What does a win in Game 4 mean for the Dodgers’ World Series chances?
A Game 4 victory would give Los Angeles a 3‑1 series lead, putting them two wins away from the World Series. Historically, teams that take a 3‑1 edge in the NLCS win the pennant over 80% of the time.
Why did the Dodgers sit Blake Snell for Game 4?
Snell logged 95 pitches in Game 2 and showed a slight dip in fastball velocity. The coaching staff opted to preserve him for a potential World Series start, trusting Ohtani’s durability for this crucial matchup.
How have the Brewers responded to Ohtani’s dual role?
Milwaukee’s front office views Ohtani as a unique challenge. They plan to mix left‑handed relievers early and have bench depth ready to exploit any offensive slump, especially after his 2‑for‑25 stretch.
What is the historical significance of a two‑way player in the postseason?
Before Ohtani, the last notable two‑way postseason starter was Babe Ruth, who last pitched in 1925. Ohtani’s ability to start and hit at a high level revives a nearly century‑old rarity, adding a strategic layer no team has faced in modern baseball.
