The Los Angeles Dodgers have once again advanced to the NLCS, with a chance to reach the World Series and win back-to-back titles for the first time in quite some time. The MVP of the NLDS was rookie Roki Sasaki, who has seemingly emerged out of nowhere this postseason.

“In MLB postseason history, only one pitcher has tossed a perfect 8th, a perfect 9th and a perfect 10th in a series-clinching victory. That one pitcher was the Dodgers’ Roki Sasaki yesterday—as a 23-year-old rookie,” Opta Stats posted.

In contrast, the least valuable player of the series was superstar Shohei Ohtani, who had a very forgettable showing at the plate. Ohtani recorded only one hit throughout the series, much of which could be attributed to challenging pitching matchups.

“Ohtani was the focus of every plan of attack for the Philadelphia Phillies, who deployed one left-handed pitcher after another in the National League Division Series. Ohtani had one hit and struck out nine times in 18 at-bats, with 16 of his 20 plate appearances coming against lefties,” The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya wrote.

Ohtani will need to put those struggles behind him heading into the NLCS, which presents a fresh opportunity. Despite his NLDS performance, he remains a front-runner to win another MVP award. The Dodgers will begin the series on the road, but a potential concern looms for Ohtani: he won’t be getting his usual extra rest days.

“Dave Roberts believes Dodgers will be fine with 4 starting pitchers in the NLCS despite fewer off days and Ohtani and Yamamoto typically needing extra rest,” Dodger Blue posted.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

The Dodgers will need to manage things carefully. They’ve spent the entire season building up Ohtani’s arm and keeping him on a strict schedule. Disrupting that rhythm now could throw everything off.

Roberts will be playing it by ear, but the consequences could be significant. If the Dodgers hope to make it back to the World Series, Ohtani will need to be a major contributor.