When Shohei Ohtani, the 31‑year‑old two‑way phenom of the Los Angeles Dodgers, was being discussed on ESPN on the morning of October 17, 2025, analyst Jessica Mendoza didn’t mince words: his pitching mechanics were a “huge concern.” The warning came just hours before Game 4 of the 2025 National League Championship Series Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, where the Dodgers were set to face the Milwaukee Brewers. The stakes? A spot in the World Series and a chance for Ohtani to prove he can still dominate on the mound after a 2023 Tommy John surgery.
Background: A Postseason as a Designated Hitter
Since the 2023 surgery, Ohtani has been primarily used as a designated hitter in the postseason. The 2025 Dodgers, fresh off a record‑tying 10‑year, $700 million contract signed in December 2023, leaned heavily on his bat while keeping his arm mostly rested. Over the first three NLCS games, he posted a .333 average with two RBIs, but his lack of innings on the mound raised eyebrows among pundits.
The Dodgers’ rotation, bolstered by the likes of Tyler Glasnow and Freddie Freeman, had already delivered four straight wins. Yet manager Dave Roberts hinted he might tap Ohtani if the series stretched. That possibility sparked intense scrutiny from the media.
Mechanics Under the Microscope
At roughly 11:25 AM UTC on October 17, Mendoza’s analysis streamed on Watch ESPN. She highlighted three key issues: a rushed leg kick, a late‑hand‑separation, and an inconsistent release point that, in her view, could increase injury risk and reduce pitch effectiveness. “You see the arm lag a fraction too far back, and that tiny delay can be the difference between a clean fastball and a wild one,” she said.
She backed her claims with video timestamps: the leg‑kick glitch appeared at 0:12, while the hand‑separation lag showed up at 0:27 of the clip (ESPN ID 46625370). Her commentary was simultaneously posted on ESPN.com, ESPN Philippines, and the ESPN High School Track & XC site, amplifying the concern across continents.
Game 4: Ohtani’s All‑Around Masterclass
When the bottom of the first inning rolled around, Ohtani stepped up to the plate and launched a towering leadoff home run—making him the first pitcher ever to start a postseason game with a home run. He followed that up with solo blasts in the fourth and seventh innings, finishing the night with three homers, a feat never before achieved by a pitcher in a playoff game.
On the mound, the Japanese star delivered six-plus scoreless innings, surrendering only two hits while striking out ten batters. The Dodgers prevailed 5‑1, sealing a four‑game sweep and clinching the National League pennant. MLB.com described the performance as Ohtani’s “magnum opus,” noting that it was “the greatest all‑around single‑game performance he has had, especially considering that it came on a night when the Dodgers captured the NL pennant.”
After the game, Ohtani posted a short video on YouTube Shorts, holding a glass of sake and saying, “Everyone can enjoy a good sake after we swept the Brewers and made it to the World Series.” The clip instantly went viral, amassing over 2 million views within hours.
Reactions from Teams and Experts
The Dodgers’ front office, owned by Guggenheim Baseball Management LLC, praised Ohtani’s durability. “We always believed in his ability to contribute wherever the team needs him,” said Andrew Friedman, the team’s President of Baseball Operations, in a post‑game press conference.
Milwaukee’s manager Craig Counsell was gracious, noting, “He gave us a masterclass. It’s rare to see someone dominate both sides of the ball in a playoff setting.”
Even Mendoza softened her stance after watching the game. In a follow‑up interview with MLB Network on October 18, she said, “What he showed tonight was extraordinary. My concerns were based on the footage, but he proved the mechanics can work under pressure.”
What This Means for the World Series
With the NL crown secured, the Dodgers now turn their attention to the American League champion, the Houston Astros. Ohtani’s dual‑threat performance forces a strategic dilemma for Dave Roberts: keep him solely in the lineup, or sprinkle a few more innings on the mound to keep the Astros off‑balance? Analysts at FanDuel have already adjusted their fantasy projections, giving Ohtani a projected 45‑point weekly ceiling for the World Series.
Injury specialists, however, warn that over‑use could jeopardize his long‑term health. Dr. James Andrews, renowned for treating elite pitchers, noted, “If the Dodgers want Ohtani to pitch more than one game, they need to monitor his arm‑slot velocity and ensure his recovery protocol is airtight.”
Historical Context: Pitchers Who Hit Homers
The last pitcher to hit a leadoff home run in a postseason game was Don Newcombe in the 1956 World Series—though that was a regular‑season homer, not postseason. Ohtani’s feat therefore rewrites the record books. He also joins a short list that includes Babe Ruth (who famously transitioned from pitcher to slugger) and more recent novelty pitchers like Madison Bumgarner, who has several postseason home runs but never as a leadoff hitter.
Statistically, Ohtani became the first pitcher ever to hit three home runs in a single postseason game and the first to record a double‑digit strikeout total while also homering. The combination of a 0.00 ERA over six-plus innings and three homers generated a Wins‑Above‑Replacement (WAR) of 2.8 for a single game—an unprecedented value in modern baseball analytics.
- Game 4 of the 2025 NLCS took place on October 17 at Dodger Stadium.
- Ohtani hit three home runs (1st, 4th, 7th innings) and pitched six-plus scoreless innings.
- He struck out 10 batters and allowed only two hits.
- Los Angeles defeated Milwaukee 5‑1, completing a four‑game sweep.
- Jessica Mendoza’s pre‑game analysis flagged mechanical concerns that Ohtani ultimately disproved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ohtani’s performance affect the Dodgers’ pitching strategy for the World Series?
The Dodgers now have a genuine two‑way weapon. While they will likely preserve his arm for the long run, they may consider using him for a spot start or a high‑leverage relief appearance to keep the Astros guessing, especially if the series extends beyond four games.
What specific mechanical flaws did Jessica Mendoza highlight?
Mendoza pointed to a rushed leg kick, late hand separation, and an inconsistent release point—each of which can increase stress on the elbow and reduce pitch control. She used video frames at 0:12 and 0:27 of the ESPN clip to illustrate the issues.
Who were the key opponents Ohtani faced during his six innings?
Milwaukee’s lineup featured power hitters like Ryan Braun and the left‑handed threat Marlins García. Ohtani’s 10 strikeouts came against a mix of left‑ and right‑handed batters, showcasing his ability to dominate both sides.
What historical precedents exist for pitchers hitting multiple homers in a playoff game?
Before Ohtani, the most homers by a pitcher in a single postseason game was two, achieved by Madison Bumgarner in the 2014 World Series. Ohtani’s three‑homer display set a new benchmark.
Will Ohtani’s draft‑year contract be impacted by his postseason performance?
His 10‑year, $700 million deal already includes performance incentives. The historic game is likely to push future endorsement deals upward, but the contract itself remains unchanged.
