"Confirms a secret Game 7 Ohtani appearance"; "Mind games" - MLB fans react to Dave Roberts' update on Shohei Ohtani pitching in the World Series

Shohei Ohtani will be playing his first World Series game when the Dodger Stadium hosts the New York Yankees in Game 1 on Friday. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided an important update on the Japanese two-way star ahead of the Fall Classic.

Ohtani, who signed a $700 million deal with the Dodgers in the past offseason, is not pitching this season after undergoing elbow surgery last year. Although the two-time MVP is progressing well in his rehab, he won't be pitching in the World Series, per Dave Roberts.

The Dodgers managers dismissed Ohtani's appearance from the mound during Thursday's media availability, saying:

"There's no possibility, none whatsoever. Thank you for asking.”

Despite Roberts' firm statement, MLB fans wondered if Ohtani could make a surprise appearance on the mound in the World Series.

"Basically confirms a secret Game 7 Ohtani appearance. Pitching change and all of a sudden Ohtani’s music hits and he appears from behind the dugout where he was warming up," wrote a fan.

"Mind tricks," wrote another fan.

"That’s exactly what someone would say if they planned to pitch Shohei Ohtani in the World Series," alleged a fan.

Other fans felt it was obvious Ohtani wasn't going to pitch in the World Series.

"And there never was. You don’t just throw a guy coming off a major injury into the intensity of the playoffs, let alone the World Series," wrote a fan.

"It's important. The season will be there all next year and the year after," a fan chimed in.

Tyler Glasnow reflects on Shohei Ohtani's possible pitching return

Despite his limited role as a designated hitter in his first season with the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani is leading the race for the NL MVP title after a historic 50-50 season from the plate.

Ohtani's teammate Tyler Glasnow shared his views on the Japanese star's return to the mound and why it's important to be cautious.

Glasnow said on "Foul Territory" this week:

"In terms of the second Tommy John (surgery), it depends on timing-wise, and the second one, the doctors and clearance and stuff are extremely hard to get just because the second (surgery) is six more months. I think the first one is 12-13 months and the second one is 18-20."

"The second one (surgery) is a lot more strict, and I think if you look at it long term too, being a second Tommy John surgery, If you weigh out the future, it's probably not the best idea (rushed into pitching). I think what he's allowed to contribute to or what he has been contributing hitting has been huge."

Shohei Ohtani is chasing a World Series ring in the first postseason run of his MLB career but finds himself against an inspired Yankees team hoping to end their 15-year-long World Series drought.