Dodgers manager makes big announcement about Shohei Ohtani pitching in Game 6 & 7 of NLCS

Shohei Ohtani has been a great asset as a hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers, as he has justified his lucrative $700 million contract, but he isn't ready to pitch just yet. He hasn't pitched this season due to elbow reconstruction surgery.

However, Ohtani hasn't disappointed as a designated hitter, breaking many records, becoming the first player to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season.

Alden Gonzalez of ESPN asked Dodgers manager Dave Roberts whether Ohtani could up the ball to pitch in the NLCS. The response was in the negative.

"He is not. Thank you for asking," Roberts said.

From Roberts' response, it's obvious that Ohtani is willing to give his rehab a year before he gets back into pitching. The dual-threat ability of Ohtani could address the pitching struggles faced by the Dodgers this season.

However, even if they lose Game 6 against the New York Mets, they still wouldn't look at Shohei Ohtani to fill up the mound, as he isn't ready to do so. So, fans shouldn't expect him to return to the mound anytime soon.

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Dave Roberts showed his frustration with Shohei Ohtani's blunder in Game 5

In Game 5, there was an early opportunity for the Los Angeles Dodgers to take up a lead against the New York Mets. The Dodgers had runners on second and third base, with Shohei Ohtani on the third. Moreover, Teoscar Hernandez hit the ball in deep towards Francisco Lindor, but Ohtani froze up on the third and didn't make a run for home.

This was a lost opportunity, as Shohei Ohtani could have easily made it home, frustrating Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. He voiced out his frustration post-game with Ken Rosenthal:

"Yeah, I don't know. It was corners in right there, ball to the middle of the field. I think he just had a brain cramp and locked up right there," Roberts said.

Game 6 is on Sunday, with the Dodgers leading the series 3-2.