Shohei Ohtani will start tonight against the Orioles after a last-minute change

Camden Yards.– In an unexpected decision, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced that the Japanese Shohei Ohtani will be the starting pitcher for the first game of this Friday’s series against the Baltimore Orioles, replacing Tyler Glasnow, who was ruled out of his start.

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Ohtani, 31, was initially scheduled to pitch on Wednesday, but was scratched due to a cold and his start had been postponed to Monday. However, the Los Angeles club adjusted the rotation just three hours before the first pitch at Camden Yards, where the two-way phenomenon will make his 12th start of the season with the Dodgers and the first since he reached five innings on August 27th. Upon his return to the mound this year, Ohtani has recorded an ERA of 4.18, while with the bat he continues to be a leading candidate for the National League Most Valuable Player award, thanks to his average of .279 with 46 home runs and 87 RBIs in 137 games as a designated hitter. For his part, Glasnow is going through a complicated season in terms of results, with barely one victory in 14 starts. However, since he returned on July 9 after overcoming inflammation in his right shoulder, the right-hander has shown solidity with an ERA of 3.02 and 58 strikeouts in 50.2 innings over nine appearances. Tonight’s matchup against the Orioles marks a significant point in the final stretch of the season, with the Dodgers looking to maintain their competitive pace and Ohtani reaffirming his impact as the biggest star in Major League Baseball in 2025.