Shohei Ohtani Set for Game 4 Start in NLCS as Dodgers Plan Rotation Strategy

 Dodgers fans eager to see Shohei Ohtani back on the mound will have to wait just a little longer. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Tuesday that the superstar two-way phenom will make his first NLCS pitching appearance in Game 4 on Friday at Dodger Stadium.

The rotation plan sets Tyler Glasnow to start Game 3, while Ohtani takes the ball for Game 4 against the Milwaukee Brewers. The decision comes after Los Angeles opened the National League Championship Series with a tight 2–1 win in Game 1.

“Shohei has been fine with rest,” Roberts said. “This setup keeps everyone on normal schedules and even positions Shohei for a potential Game 7 bullpen appearance if needed.”

Ohtani Balancing Rest, Recovery, and Role

Ohtani made his postseason pitching debut earlier this month, allowing three runs over six innings in a 5–3 win over Philadelphia to open the NL Division Series. Roberts emphasized that delaying Ohtani’s NLCS start wasn’t about his offensive struggles but rather about maintaining balance in the rotation.

The three-time MVP had a rough stretch at the plate, going 1-for-18 with nine strikeouts against the Phillies. He showed improved patience in Game 1 of the NLCS, drawing three walks in five plate appearances, though he went 0-for-2 officially.

A Season to Remember

Despite that postseason slump, Ohtani’s 2025 campaign remains MVP-caliber. He slashed .282/.392/.651 with 55 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases, while also contributing as a starter after returning from elbow surgery in 2023.

Since returning to the mound on June 16, Ohtani has gone 1–1 with a 2.87 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 47 innings across 14 starts — a remarkable comeback for the Japanese superstar.

Dodgers’ Rotation Taking Shape

Roberts’ rotation strategy reflects both rest management and tactical planning.

• Blake Snell, the two-time Cy Young Award winner, dominated Game 1 — allowing just one hit over eight innings while facing the minimum 24 batters.

• Yoshinobu Yamamoto will take the mound in Game 2, followed by Glasnow in Game 3 and Ohtani in Game 4.

Glasnow, who finished the regular season 4–3 with a 3.19 ERA, was sharp in the NLDS, throwing 7⅔ scoreless innings.

As the Dodgers look to seize control of the NLCS, all eyes will turn to Shohei Ohtani’s highly anticipated start in front of the home crowd — a moment that could define both the series and his postseason legacy.