The Los Angeles Dodgers will open their National League Division Series (NLDS) tonight against the Philadelphia Phillies, and manager Dave Roberts has already made some bold pitching decisions. Shohei Ohtani will take the ball in Game 1, but Roberts made it clear that Ohtani will not be used on short rest or out of the bullpen during the series. The two-way star will remain in his normal role as a starting pitcher and designated hitter.

However, one of the bigger surprises is the status of longtime ace Clayton Kershaw. The 37-year-old, who will retire at the end of the season, is demoted to the bullpen for this series.

Kershaw turned in another strong season, going 11-2 with a 3.36 ERA across 23 appearances. In his final start of the regular season, he threw 5 1/3 scoreless innings and s

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