Los Angeles Dodgers They have not yet revealed who will take the mound in the first inning of Game 7 of the World Series 2025, which will be played this Saturday in toronto.
Manager Dave Roberts avoided confirming a starter after the 3-1 victory in Game 6, but left the door open to a possibility that could shake up the baseball: Shohei Ohtani.
“It’s a possibility,” Roberts said, as reported by Brandon Wile (theScore).
If Ohtani starts the game, he will do so on just three days’ rest, something he has done only once in his career: in 2023, when he pitched for the Los Angeles Angels after a rain-shortened outing.
In Game 4 of this World Series, Ohtani allowed four runs and six hits, with six strikeouts in six innings and 93 pitches. Two of those runs were inherited by relievers after their departure.
Roberts assured that all the pitchers will be available except Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who was the starter in Game 6. This includes Tyler Glasnow, who was originally scheduled to start for Game 7, but ended up closing the previous game with just three pitches to get the save.
Glasnow could pitch multiple innings if necessary. However, the “Ohtani rule” could be key in the decision. This rule only applies if the Japanese starts the match; If he does, Los Angeles could keep his bat in the lineup even after he starts pitching. On the other hand, if he comes in as a reliever, the team would lose the designated hitter (DH) and would have to move Ohtani to the outfield to maintain his offensive presence.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays confirmed that veteran Max Scherzer will be their starter. The 41-year-old right-hander will seek to repeat the feat of 2019, when he pitched five innings in Game 7 of the World Series with the Washington Nationals against the Astros.
Manager John Schneider indicated that all of his arms will be available, including Kevin Gausman, who pitched in Game 6. Additionally, rookie Trey Yesavage, who set a record with 12 strikeouts in Game 5, will be ready out of the bullpen, according to Jesse Rogers (ESPN).
Game 7 promises to be a historic duel between experience and talent: Scherzer versus Ohtani, if Roberts finally decides on the Japanese.
