
"Ohtani returned to pitching this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and has been monitored extremely closely by the Dodgers in his recovery. He began his return by pitching one inning per game, and has gradually increased his load as the season has progressed. His last start of the regular season against the Arizona Diamondbacks lasted six innings, where he held the D-backs scoreless. "I just think he's a normal starting pitcher now," Friedman said. "(We) kind of eased him along. Just a normal starting pitcher (now).""
"Ohtani has never made a start in the postseason, having spent the first six seasons in MLB with the Los Angeles Angels, and will make his October debut on the mound Saturday. If he can replicate his regular season performances, he will be just fine. The three-time MVP had a 2.87 ERA through 14 starts this season, and struck out 62 batters through just 47 innings. He has a ton of momentum carrying into this start, as he hasn't allowed a run since pitching against the Cincinnati Reds on Aug. 27."
"He has also been great on the other side of the ball as of late, crushing two home runs in the Dodgers' opening game of the Wild Card series against the Reds and reaching base safely three times against them in Game 2."
Ohtani returned to pitching this season after Tommy John surgery and was closely monitored during recovery. He began with one-inning appearances and gradually increased his workload, finishing the regular season with a six-inning, scoreless outing. The Dodgers consider him a normal starting pitcher with no special restrictions for Game 1 of the NLDS. Ohtani will make his postseason pitching debut and entered October with a 2.87 ERA in 14 starts and 62 strikeouts in 47 innings, carrying momentum from a scoreless stretch and recent offensive contributions in the Wild Card series.
Read at Dodgers Nation
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