The Los Angeles Dodgers had plans to use Shohei Ohtani for their Game 5 starter. But now that they have advanced to the NLCS after 4 games, questions around the two-way phenom remain. As LA wait for their their next opponent from the Cubs and Brewers Game 5 decisive match, their pitching plan is beginning to take shape.

Manager Dave Roberts has dropped major hints about Ohtani’s next appearance. According to a report from Chosun Daily, there is a “high possibility” that the 31-year-old Japanese superstar will start Game 1. Roberts himself confirmed this is the leading option.

“We’ll discuss it further, but it’s likely (Ohtani will start Game 1),” the manager stated. But then, he immediately followed up with, “The day after Game 2 is a rest day, so it’s not yet finalized.”

Ohtani started Game 1 of the Division Series against the Phillies. He pitched 6 innings and allowed 3 runs while striking out 9 batters in that game. So, the logic for starting Ohtani in Game 1 of the NLCS on Monday makes sense. It will allow him to pitch again in a crucial Game 5 on normal rest.

However, Roberts’ mention of the off-day points to a plan that prioritizes Ohtani’s recovery. As the report noted, “Since Ohtani also plays as a batter, having a rest day after starting helps manage his condition. ”

Starting with Blake Snell in Game 1 and saving Ohtani for Game 2 would leverage that scheduled off-day perfectly.

This way, the Dodgers will have the needed flexibility with their world-class rotation.

How is the Dodgers’ rotation doing in the postseason?

Blake Snell, the other option for Game 1, has been nearly unhittable this postseason, with a 2-0 record and 1.38 ERA while striking out 18 batters in his 13.0 innings pitched. Another ace-level pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, has made two starts in his first MLB postseason and has a stat line of 1-1 record with a 2.53 ERA and 11 strikeouts over 10.2 innings. And veteran Tyler Glasnow has not allowed a run, posting a 0.00 ERA with 10 strikeouts over 7.2 innings in two different roles so far this postseason.

While the starters are set, the Dodgers’ bullpen has been reshaped by necessity.

A new group of arms has emerged, led by rookie sensation Roki Sasaki. The 23-year-old has been untouchable since moving to the bullpen, earning saves in Games 1 and 2 of the NLDS before pitching three perfect innings (8th, 9th, and 10th) in the series-clinching Game 4 victory. Joining him, Clayton Kershaw is now a bullpen weapon for the first time in his career.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers have more to worry about Shohei Ohtani’s bat than his pitching schedule.

After smashing 55 home runs in the regular season, Ohtani went cold in the Division Series, hitting just .056 (1-for-18) with nine strikeouts.. His slump was especially noticeable in Game 1, where he earned the win on the mound but struck out in all four of his at-bats. Manager Dave Roberts believes Ohtani’s pitching debut may have caused a “bleed-in effect on the bat.” Even Ohtani himself admitted his nervousness.

“I was a little nervous imagining myself out there on the mound.”

After winning last year’s World Series, the Dodgers have entered the NLCS with a clear blueprint for success. Now, the decision of when to pitch Shohei Ohtani will set the tone because it puts their best pitcher on the mound one by one for the entire series. They have an overwhelming depth, and they have all the pieces in place for another memorable October run.