Shohei Ohtani Takes Mound for Dodgers in World Series Game 7

The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced that superstar Shohei Ohtani will start on the mound in Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays on October 28, 2025. This decision follows a unique MLB rule designed specifically for Ohtani, known as Rule 5.11(b). The rule permits a starting pitcher to continue hitting even after being removed from the mound, allowing the Dodgers to retain Ohtani’s powerful bat throughout the game.

In a thrilling Game 6, prominent baseball figures such as Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, and Alex Rodriguez weighed in on the matchup and anticipated the high stakes of the final game. The World Series Game 7 is set to air exclusively on FOX at 20:00 ET, drawing significant attention from fans and analysts alike.

If the Dodgers had opted to use Ohtani as the designated hitter and later brought him in as a relief pitcher, they risked losing his presence in the batting lineup once he exited as a pitcher. The only alternative would have been to position him in the field, a move he has rarely executed in his career, having played just 8 1/3 innings in the field and not since 2021.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has emphasized the importance of keeping Ohtani’s bat active, hence the decision to start him as the pitcher. It remains uncertain how deep Ohtani will pitch, considering he is on three days’ rest, which adds an element of unpredictability to the game.

On the other side, Max Scherzer will take the mound for the Blue Jays, a decision made prior to the release of the lineups. With both teams eager to clinch the championship, the matchup promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the series.

As the Dodgers and Blue Jays prepare for this winner-take-all showdown, the anticipation builds for a game that could define the legacy of Ohtani and impact the futures of both franchises. The implementation of Rule 5.11(b) adds a fascinating layer to the strategy involved in this pivotal contest, showcasing the intersection of player talents and league regulations.