When is Shohei Ohtani playing next? All you need to know about the Dodgers star’s World Series schedule against the Yankees

On Sunday, Shohei Ohtani and the LA Dodgers defeated the New York Mets by a score of 10-5 to book their ticket to their first World Series since 2020. Set to square off against the Yankees, all eyes will be on the Dodgers' superstar.

"SHOHEI OHTANI IS HEADED TO HIS FIRST WORLD SERIES @BRWalkoff" - Bleacher Report

In the win on Saturday, Ohtani went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a pair of runs scored. After a divisional series that saw him hit a mere .200, the 2023 AL MVP appears to have regained the best version of himself ahead of the Fall Classic.

Game 1 of the World Series against the New York Yankees will be on October 25 at Dodger Stadium. Just as he has been doing all postseason long, it is expected that Shohei Ohtani will bat first in the lineup, and occupy the DH hitting slot.

"SHOHEI OHTANI IS HEADING TO THE WORLD SERIES FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HIS CAREER" - Sports Center

A member of the LA Angels from 2017 until 2023, Ohtani never qualified for a postseason appearance, despite winning two Silver Sluggers and two MVPs during his time in Anaheim. Ahead of the 2024 MLB season, Ohtani was signed a record-shattering $700 million deal, with the implicit expectation that he'd lead his team to a World Series.

In the NLDS against the San Diego Padres, Ohtani went just 4-for-20, leading many to question his postseason impact. However, during the NLCS against the Mets, Ohtani turned on the gas, and finished the series with 2 homers, 6 RBIs, and a .364 average through six games.

Shohei Ohtani is ready for the biggest games of his life

After sitting out the postseason for years with the Angels, Ohtani finds himself driving one of the best clubs in modern MLB history further into October. As the 30-year-old told MLB.com on Sunday, he is ready for the opportunity:

“The goal was to get this far, I also pictured myself getting this far with the contract that I’ve signed. And, again, just being able to play on this kind of stage with the team effort, and all the games were really hard. But I’m just glad that we’re at this stage right now.”

Taking the year off from pitching (due to UCL injury) allowed Ohtani to do some truly special things in the batter's box. Now, the superstar will have the chance to cap off his incredible Dodgers debut with baseball's biggest achievement.