Shohei Ohtani starts Game 7 on short rest as the Dodgers aim to capture the World Series crown, fueled by pitching depth and resilient clubhouse spirit.
The 2025 World Series comes down to one final night. For Dave Roberts and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Game 7 in Toronto marks not only the end of a marathon season that began in Tokyo but also the culmination of years of perseverance and belief in a resilient clubhouse.
After forcing a decisive Game 7 with a 3–1 victory on Friday, Roberts confirmed Saturday afternoon that Shohei Ohtani will start for the Dodgers. While the decision wasn’t unexpected, Roberts emphasized that the plan remains fluid based on how Ohtani feels and performs early on.
“As far as innings, not sure,” Roberts said. “It depends how he comes out, how he looks, how he’s throwing, how he’s feeling. Everyone’s available, and we’ll read and react as the game plays out.”
Ohtani will take the mound on short rest. Roberts noted that starting him gives the Dodgers more flexibility rather than holding him in reserve for late-game relief.
“Having him start allows us to let him run as long as we can,” Roberts said. “It just made the most sense given what it allows for the runway.”
The Dodgers’ rotation has been the backbone of their playoff run, and that depth will be tested one final time. Roberts praised the group’s willingness to take the ball, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who could be available out of the bullpen.
“It’s amazing. Pitching is tough — on the mind and the body,” Roberts said. “For each one of these guys to raise their hand and say, ‘Pick me, I’m available,’ it’s pretty remarkable. They’ve been the backbone of our club.”
Roberts spoke highly of Yamamoto’s determination, calling his mental toughness “as strong as any guy I’ve seen.”
Having managed in multiple World Series, including the infamous 2017 Game 7 loss to Houston, Roberts reflected briefly on how those experiences shaped his approach.
“You’ve got to manage with urgency,” he said. “That night we got behind early and couldn’t recover. This is a different group, a different time. My job is to put players in a position to win.”
Still, Roberts admitted there’s nothing quite like managing a Game 7.
“As a sports fan, it’s the best thing there is,” he said with a smile. “As a manager, it’s bananas. There’s just nothing like a Game 7 in all of sports.”
When asked about the Dodgers’ sustained success beyond their financial power, Roberts credited the organization’s commitment to development and, above all, the character of their stars.
“People overlook that every year we have a top-five farm system,” Roberts said. “We pick near the bottom of the draft and still develop guys who contribute. But it’s also about the kind of people we bring in. Our stars are selfless, they value the little things, they care about their teammates — that’s what sustains winning.”
Throughout the postseason, players like Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas have served as emotional anchors. Roberts said that leadership will be key, but he doesn’t expect much in the way of pregame speeches.
“No need,” Roberts said. “These guys are on autopilot. Kiké and Miggy are our emotional leaders, but the heart rates are calm. They’re ready.”
Roberts also took time to recognize the Blue Jays’ tribute to Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia, calling it “a huge tribute” and “a reminder that baseball is what we do, but not who we are.”
From Opening Day in Tokyo to tonight’s finale in Canada, Roberts reflected on how far-reaching this Dodgers season has been.
“Baseball’s interest is at an all-time high worldwide,” he said. “We’re a diverse team, and it’s fitting that this World Series ends on an international stage. Hopefully, we can put on a show tonight.”
The stage is set for one final showdown, Dodgers vs. Blue Jays, winner takes all.
“I love our guys,” Roberts said. “We just need to go out and play a good baseball game.”