Ohtani To Start; Historic Dual-Role Postseason Debut

Shohei Ohtani will make his postseason pitching debut as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Game 1 starter at Citizens Bank Park, becoming the first player in MLB history to start as both a pitcher and a position player in the same postseason. The Dodgers advanced by sweeping the Cincinnati Reds, with a potent offense in the wild‑card round but lingering concerns about bullpen stability. The Philadelphia Phillies, who earned an NLDS bye, will counter with Cristopher Sánchez in Game 1 as part of a rotation that also includes Jesús Luzardo and Ranger Suárez, and have named Jhoan Duran their closer. Philadelphia will rely on a veteran lineup led by Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and Trea Turner while managing an injury to starter Zack Wheeler. Oddsmakers have installed the Dodgers as early World Series favorites and Ohtani is being mentioned among leading MVP/World Series MVP candidates; Philadelphia held a 4‑of‑6 regular‑season advantage head‑to‑head.