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The Los Angeles Dodgers will start superstar Shohei Ohtani on the mound in Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays to comply with a unique rule.
MLB created a rule for Ohtani, Rule 5.11(b), that put the Dodgers in a peculiar situation ahead of Saturday’s matchup, which will be shown exclusively on FOX at 8 p.m. ET.
MLB instituted a rule that if a starting pitcher was in the batting lineup, he could continue to hit despite being taken from the mound—a rule that allows Ohtani to remain in the game when removed as a starter.
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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani walks to the dugout against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fifth inning of Game 4 of baseball’s World Series. The game was played in Los Angeles, California on October 28, 2025. (Brynn Anderson/AP Photo)
However, if Ohtani started the game as the team’s designated hitter and later entered in relief, they would risk losing his powerful bat in the lineup upon his exit as a pitcher.
The only way Ohtani could stay in the game after being used as a relief pitcher would be to pitch, something he hasn’t done often in his career. The three-time MVP has pitched just 8 1/3 innings in his career and hasn’t done so since 2021.
SHOHEI OHTANI FACES A UNIQUE MLB RULES CHALLENGE IN WINNER-TAKE-ALL GAME 7 WORLD SERIES SHOWDOWN
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates after hitting a single against the Toronto Blue Jays in the eighth inning during Game 2 of the 2025 MLB World Series. The game was played at the Rogers Center in Toronto, Canada. (Dan Hamilton/Imagn Images)
With all of this in mind, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will start Ohtani on the mound, making sure they can keep his bat in the game no matter how long he pitches. It’s not clear how deep Ohtani will throw himself into the game, as he is on three days’ rest.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer looks to his dugout during the sixth inning of Game 4 of baseball’s American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners in Seattle, Washington, on Oct. 16, 2025. (Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo)
Blue Jays manager John Schneider didn’t have nearly as many considerations as Roberts, since Max Scherzer had been listed as the starter before the lineups were released.
