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The Los Angeles Dodgers welcome superstar Shohei Ohtani to the mound in Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays to follow a unique rule.
MLB created a rule for Ohtani, Rule 5.11(b), that puts the Dodgers in a special situation ahead of Saturday’s game, which will air 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 even if he was taken off the mound — a rule that allowed Ohtani to remain in the game after being removed from the starting job.
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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani heads to the dugout against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fifth inning of Game 4 of the World Series of Baseball. The match 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 when he came out as a pitcher.
The only way Ohtani could stay in the game after being used as a relief pitcher would be to play the field, something he hasn’t done often during his career. The three-time MVP has only taken the field 8 1/3 innings in his career and hasn’t done so since 2021.
SHOHEI OHTANI FACES UNIQUE MLB RULES CHALLENGE IN WINNER-TAKE-ALL 7 WORLD SERIES SHOWDOWN GAME
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates after hitting a single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth inning of game two of the 2025 MLB World Series. The game was played at the Rogers Center in Toronto, Canada. (Dan Hamilton/Imagn Images)
With all that in mind, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will start Ohtani on the mound, ensuring they can keep his bat in the game no matter how long he throws. It is unclear how much Ohtani will participate in the match, as he is on three days’ rest.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer looks into his dugout during the sixth inning of Game 4 of the American Baseball League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners in Seattle, Washington, October 16, 2025. (Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo)
Blue Jays manager John Schneider did not have as much deliberation as Roberts, because Max Scherzer had been listed as a starter before the rosters were released.
