The Los Angeles Dodgers have not won a postseason series against the Phillies since 1978. With the pressure of ending that streak, Shohei Ohtani is already expecting the crowd to be intense. He has never taken the mound at Citizens Bank Park, let alone in a heated playoff game. However, what he does know is “they serve delicious Philly cheesesteaks at the clubhouse.” Ohtani said on Friday via interpreter Will Ireton. But his role in October baseball had been a debate most of the season until Dave Roberts settled it ahead of Saturday’s game.

The Japanese phenom is on the verge of checking off his first postseason start as a pitcher. The only official “two-way player” has offered multiple options for his manager to choose from. When the Dodgers’ bullpen was in a tight spot, Ohtani admitted he’ll do whatever he’s asked to do and wouldn’t mind pitching out of the bullpen.

However, his priority has always been to be a starter. So, it’s confirmed. In his eighth big league season and only his second playoff run, Ohtani will be the Dodgers’ ace on Saturday.

Dave Roberts settled the debate on Friday and said, “No plans to use Shohei Ohtani on short rest or in relief.” As he takes over the mound on Saturday for Game 1 of the NL Division Series, Shohei Ohtani will be established as the first player in the league’s history to start at least one game as a pitcher and at least one game as a non-pitcher in a single postseason.

Since his return to the mound in June, the reigning MLB MVP has gone 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA. Striking out 62 batters against just nine walks, Ohtani created a new type of 50-50 club. He’s the only one across the league to have both 50 homers and 50 strikeouts in one season.

For Saturday’s game, though, he’s feeling a little nervous but excited too, as he admitted. At the same time, he has done his homework and now has a good reading ahead of the game. “I’m aware that there are pitchers who get excited and their velo goes up, and there are some whose it just stays pretty much the same.” So, which one is Ohtani? “If I were to pick a side, I’m probably the one who really makes the velo go up. But that being said, I need to make sure I’m poised and balanced.” He said.

Most of the time, pitchers in their postseason debut let their emotions overcome them. However, Shohei Ohtani has experienced the game’s biggest stage before as well, and he knows how to rise to the occasion. While he’s not immune to pressure, the Phillies, on the other hand, certainly need a good plan to face him.

Phillies’ former GM advises them on facing Shohei Ohtani

The Dodgers star finished this season with 62 strikeouts and a 2.87 ERA in 47 innings pitched. Most importantly, will he have any limitations when he takes the mound at Citizens Bank Park?

Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, answered this question.“I just think he’s just a normal starting pitcher now.” He said.

For the Phillies, it’s not going to be easy to face the two-way global sensation. That’s why, Former Phillies general manager and current broadcaster Ruben Amaro chimed in and gave the Phillies some much-needed advice. According to him, the club should game plan for Shohei Ohtani’s elite swing-and-miss stuff by attacking early in the count.

“If I’m facing him, I’m looking for a fastball or something that’s up in the zone,” Amaro said recently on The Phillies Show, released on Friday.

“I’m going to have to be aggressive on it early, because if you get to two strikes, you’re talking about six different pitches and you can’t eliminate anything, and you’re just looking for the baseball,” He added. Amaro also stated that Phillies batters must “distinguish hittable pitches from non-hittable pitches” before going against Ohtani.

Interestingly, the Phillies should have taken this advice on September 16th as well. That day, Ohtani tossed five hitless innings against them.