As the World Series approaches a thrilling Game 7, all eyes are on Shohei Ohtani, who has the opportunity to solidify his status with a memorable performance in Toronto this Saturday. Ohtani will take the mound, but his versatility as both a pitcher and a hitter adds layers of intrigue to the matchup.
However, expectations for Ohtani’s performance in this pivotal game come with caution. Betting insights suggest that Ohtani may not reach his typical strikeout numbers against a formidable Blue Jays lineup, renowned for their discipline at the plate. With an 18% strikeout rate during the regular season and even lower during the postseason, the Blue Jays have proven to be a tough challenge for opposing pitchers.
Given that Ohtani pitched six innings in Game 4 and will be working on short rest, it’s anticipated that he may not pitch deep into the game. The strategic approach by the Dodgers’ manager, Dave Roberts, to utilize the bullpen effectively in a winner-takes-all situation further supports the notion that Ohtani’s strikeout totals could be limited. Current projections suggest he will only record about 3.8 strikeouts in Game 7, prompting a lean towards the under on his strikeouts prop of 4.5.
Moreover, when it comes to Ohtani’s potential for driving in runs, the odds also lean against him. He has only accounted for RBIs in two of the six World Series games so far, primarily due to his position in the lineup as a leadoff hitter, where he faces a lack of runners on base. Added to this, the Blue Jays showcased their defensive strategy in Game 4 by walking him five times, making the prospect of Ohtani increasing his RBI count in this crucial game look bleak.
Experts suggest betting under 0.5 RBIs for Ohtani, with advice to consider the odds even stronger at -200, reinforcing the belief that his opportunities to contribute offensively may be limited.
As Game 7 approaches, fans and bettors alike will be keen to see how this highly skilled player navigates the pressures of the moment and whether he can rise to the occasion, despite the betting trends suggesting adversity. Ohtani’s legacy hangs in the balance, promising to deliver one of the most dramatic tales of this postseason.
With the playoffs so closely contested, this could be a game worth following closely, as Ohtani’s performance not only impacts his career but also the outcome of the World Series itself.