When Shohei Ohtani, dual‑role star of the Los Angeles Dodgers learned that manager David Robert Roberts, Dodgers manager was pulling all pitch‑count restrictions for Game 4 of the National League Championship SeriesDodger Stadium, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Background: Ohtani’s Dual Role and the Dodgers’ 2025 Season
Since signing a historic ten‑year, $700 million contract on December 9, 2023, Ohtani has been the face of Los Angeles’ bid to dominate both the mound and the plate. The contract made him the highest‑paid athlete in team‑sports history, and the Dodgers staked a massive portion of that payroll on his two‑way brilliance.
The 2025 season saw Ohtani start 22 games, strike out 159 batters, and slug 28 home runs, while also posting a 3.89 ERA when he took the rubber. His dual output helped the Dodgers clinch the National League West with a 102‑60 record, their best regular‑season finish since the 2020 championship run.
Behind the scenes, the franchise is owned by Guggenheim Baseball Management, led by chairman and CEO Stan Kasten. Their willingness to invest in a super‑star like Ohtani signaled a shift in how the club approaches roster construction — a gamble that paid off through sheer offensive firepower.
How the Pitch‑Count Decision Unfolded
On October 16, 2025, at 1:45 PM PT, Roberts called a press conference inside the team clubhouse. "The Dodgers are putting no pitching limitations on Shohei Ohtani in NLCS Game 4," he said, a statement verified by Sports Illustrated and echoed in a viral Threads post from the @dodgersnation account, which has 1.2 million followers.
Roberts’ announcement came exactly 24 hours before the scheduled 5:08 PM first pitch. The rationale? A 3‑0 series lead meant the club could afford to gamble. "We trust his conditioning, we trust his preparation, and we trust the medical staff," Roberts added.
Statcast data, supplied by MLB, painted a mixed picture. In Games 1‑3, Ohtani struck out 12 times in 18 plate appearances, an alarming 66.7 % strikeout rate, and swung at 15 pitches outside the strike zone, reflecting an 83.3 % swing‑and‑miss rate on pitches he shouldn’t have been chasing.
Yet, senior writer Cary Osborne noted on the official Dodgers blog that "the numbers don’t tell the whole story." Osborne argued that Ohtani’s fatigue was more mental than physical, and a fresh approach on the mound could reset his confidence.
Reactions from the Club, Players and Media
Teammates reacted with a mix of excitement and caution. Veteran shortstop Mookie Betts told reporters, "If Shohei can go deep on the mound, we’ll have a huge advantage. We just need him healthy." Conversely, starting pitcher Freddy Peralta warned, "We have to manage the bullpen carefully if he throws a full‑count game. It’s a marathon, not a sprint."
Media analysts were split. ESPN’s baseball analyst John Hart called the move "a bold, almost reckless, decision that could either cement Ohtani’s legend or jeopardize his long‑term health." Meanwhile, Bleacher Report columnist Megan Berman wrote, "The Dodgers have nothing to lose. A sweep would lock up the National League pennant and give Ohtani a chance to pitch in the World Series—something fans have dreamed about since his MLB debut."
What the Move Means for the Series and the World Series Outlook
If the Dodgers clinch Game 4, they become the first team since the 2020 Dodgers to win the NL pennant on home soil. That would set them up for a World Series start on October 25, 2025, likely against the American League champion—either the New York Yankees or the Cleveland Guardians, per the ALCS result still pending.
Strategically, allowing Ohtani unrestricted innings could force the opposing lineup to adjust early, potentially preserving the Dodgers’ late‑game bullpen for a decisive Game 5 if the series somehow extends. It also offers Ohtani a chance to showcase his pitching chops in a high‑stakes environment, a narrative that could boost merchandise sales and global viewership.
On the flip side, fatigue risk looms. Past postseason outings have shown Ohtani’s fastball velocity dip after 90 pitches. A full‑count effort could see his fastball dip from a season‑average 95 mph to the low 90s, making him more vulnerable to the opponent’s power hitters.
- Series score: Dodgers 3, Opponent 0.
- Ohtani’s NLCS stats (Games 1‑3): 12 K’s, 0 HR, .156/.235/.265 slash line.
- Roberts’ quote: “No pitching limitations for Shohei in Game 4.”
- Potential World Series opponent: Yankees or Guardians.
- Contract note: Ohtani’s $700 M deal runs through 2033.
Looking Ahead: The Next Steps for Los Angeles
Regardless of the Game 4 outcome, the Dodgers will need to recalibrate their rotation for the World Series. If Ohtani does pitch a deep outing, the staff may need an extra rest day before the series begins on October 25.
Stan Kasten, speaking with USA Today after the game, emphasized a long‑term view: "We built this team for sustained success. Whether Shohei throws 80 or 110 pitches, we’ll manage his workload across the next decade."
Fans, meanwhile, have taken to social media with optimism. A trending hashtag #OhtaniUnleashed amassed over 250 k tweets within hours of Roberts’ announcement, showcasing just how much the two‑way phenom captivates both baseball purists and casual followers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Dodgers remove pitch‑count limits for Ohtani?
Roberts said the decision was based on confidence in Ohtani’s conditioning and the 3‑0 series lead, which gave the club room to risk a longer outing without jeopardizing the bullpen.
How has Ohtani performed offensively in the NLCS so far?
Through three games, Ohtani has struck out 12 times in 18 plate appearances, with a slash line of .156/.235/.265 and no home runs, indicating a slump that could be psychological.
What impact could this decision have on the Dodgers’ World Series plans?
A successful Game 4 would clinch the NL pennant, giving the Dodgers extra rest before the World Series and potentially allowing Ohtani to pitch in the championship, a storyline that could boost viewership and revenue.
Who are the likely opponents for the Dodgers in the World Series?
The American League Championship Series pits the New York Yankees against the Cleveland Guardians, so the Dodgers will face whichever team wins that series when the World Series opens on October 25, 2025.
What are the injury concerns associated with allowing Ohtani to pitch without limits?
Historically, Ohtani’s velocity drops after 90 pitches in postseason play, raising the risk of reduced effectiveness and potential arm strain, especially given his demanding dual‑role schedule.
