Jorge Castillo, ESPN Employees Author
LOS ANGELES — In a World Sequence matchup loaded with storylines, one was seemingly put to relaxation Thursday: Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani won’t make a dramatic return to the mound to face the New York Yankees.
“There isn’t any chance, none in any respect,” Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts stated. “Thanks for asking.”
Ohtani has not pitched since present process main elbow surgical procedure final September whereas with the Los Angeles Angels. The 2-way star was strictly a delegated hitter for the Dodgers this season, one so good that he’s the overwhelming favourite to win NL MVP after posting the primary 50/50 season in MLB historical past.
All of the whereas, he rehabbed his elbow. Lastly, in late August, he started throwing off a mound. Then, final month, Roberts opened the door to Ohtani pitching within the postseason. Quickly, nonetheless, the Dodgers put the brakes on the concept. Roberts on Thursday slammed them.
Ohtani, in the meantime, didn’t seem disenchanted with the choice.
“I’ve by no means stated to them that I needed to pitch within the postseason,” Ohtani stated via an interpreter.
Ohtani would’ve joined a bullpen that has been foundational within the Dodgers’ postseason success. With simply three starters, the Dodgers are anticipated to deploy at the very least one bullpen sport within the World Sequence. The aid corps may obtain reinforcements.
Alex Vesia, the Dodgers’ prime left-handed reliever, informed ESPN’s Alden González that he’s “90% certain” he can be on the Dodgers’ roster after lacking the Nationwide League Championship Sequence with an intercostal harm. Vesia threw 15 pitches in a reside bullpen session Wednesday. He tossed three scoreless innings within the NL Division Sequence towards the San Diego Padres after recording a 1.76 ERA in 67 appearances through the common season.
Moreover, Roberts stated Brusdar Graterol can be “trending in the correct route.” Graterol missed a lot of the common season with shoulder and hamstring accidents, showing in simply seven video games. The best-hander has a 1.64 ERA in 22 profession postseason video games.
“It is a part of the maths,” Roberts stated of Graterol’s restricted motion this season. “I believe the opposite half is his observe file within the postseason, how good he is been, how good the heartbeat’s been. We imagine within the particular person, the stuff.
“So then if it performs out as he is on the roster, then it is extra of a call on after I really feel comfy utilizing him. I simply do not know that reply, however I’m hopeful that he is in a great spot proper now.”
ESPN’s Alden González contributed to this report.
