Shohei Ohtani, the two-way phenom, is now a one-way phenom for the rest of the postseason. That’s too bad, considering fans wanted to see his full potential. But stand in the team’s shoes for a minute and you’ll see why this is a smart move. Team manager Dave Roberts and the president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, dropped some big news on Thursday: Ohtani will strictly be focusing on hitting during the World Series matchup against the Yankees.

The team made it clear there won’t be any surprise pitching appearances from Shohei Ohtani. It’s definitely a strategic move, and hopefully, a worthy one. Dave Roberts laid it down while speaking to the reporters at Dodger Stadium, he highlighted that there’s “no possibility, none whatsoever” of Ohtani pitching in the World Series. Given Ohtani has been recovering from elbow surgery, it makes sense to keep him focused on hitting.

Then, Andrew Friedman chimed in on ESPN Radio, declaring that Ohtani won’t be taking the mound either. According to the New York Post, Friedman noted, “He is a one-way player for the next 10 days and then he will go back to being a two-way player”, hoping to ensure Ohtani is at his peak for the bats. However, this can be a little disappointing for those waiting to witness his pitching wizardry; after all, that’s what Ohtani fans desire.

Nonetheless, Shohei Ohtani remains the series’ main attraction, even without the pitching element. His historic first season with the Dodgers has been nothing short of sensational—hitting .310 with a .390 on-base percentage, smashing 54 home runs, and stealing 59 bases. Making it the 50-50 club is another feat he achieved, inaugurating a new milestone in MLB. 

A classic rivalry renewed after 4 decades 

The rivalry between the Yankees and Dodgers is legendary; from the Bronx to Brooklyn and now Los Angeles, they have a wealth of history. Both teams have provided fans with some remarkable moments, including amazing batting performances and stunning catches. Having faced each other in 11 World Series, these two teams have a special bond that no other can match. Hence, Ohtani facing Aaron Judge and Yoshinobu Yamamoto going up against Carlos Rodón have some serious potential to become legendary matchups.

It’s hard not to think about the iconic battles of the past, like Robinson vs. Berra and Koufax vs. Mantle. After 43 long years without a Yankees-Dodgers World Series matchup, the anticipation is through the roof. While the Dodgers have a deep lineup with a lot of firepower, the Yankees’ starting pitching—especially with someone like Gerrit Cole—can be a game-changer in critical moments. As fans wait to see how the bullpens perform, especially under so much pressure, each team has the potential for a breakout moment from their stars, and that could very well swing the series in either direction.

Which team are you rooting for? Share in the comments below.