Shohei Ohtani is eagerly anticipating the potential matchup between Los Angeles Dodgers teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto and San Diego's Yu Darvish in Game 5 of the National League Division Series. Darvish is set to start for the Padres in the decisive game on Friday night at Dodger Stadium, following a delay in Game 2 due to fans throwing balls and trash onto the field.
Ohtani expressed his excitement at the prospect of seeing Darvish face off against Yamamoto, who was initially scheduled to start Game 2 against Darvish but was later switched to Game 1 by the Dodgers. Darvish's impressive performance in Game 2, where he allowed only one run and three hits over seven innings, has heightened the anticipation for the upcoming matchup.
Darvish, a close friend of Yamamoto and a childhood idol of Ohtani, emphasized the significance of pitching on the same day in a playoff game. Despite a past experience in an elimination game during the 2017 World Series, Darvish remains focused on the present moment.
While Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has not named a starter for Game 5, he confirmed that Yamamoto will play a role, either as a starter or out of the bullpen. Yamamoto, the highest-paid pitcher in the majors, has faced challenges against the Padres this season, particularly in Game 1 where he gave up three runs in the first inning.
The Dodgers' victory in Game 4, with eight relievers combining for a shutout against the Padres, sets the stage for a dramatic finale between the two rivals. Roberts hinted at a similar pitching strategy for Game 5, with the possibility of using multiple relievers. The return of All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman to the lineup is anticipated after missing Game 4 due to a sprained ankle.
Padres manager Mike Shildt remains unfazed by the Dodgers' strategic ambiguity, likening his team's approach to that of NFL coaching legend Vince Lombardi, emphasizing a straightforward and competitive mindset.
Injured shortstop Miguel Rojas will not start for the Dodgers in Game 5, with Tommy Edman taking his place at shortstop. The lineup for center field remains undisclosed by Roberts.
