In a recent meeting, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts took a brief moment to gather crucial information about Shohei Ohtani, both as a pitcher and a hitter.Ohtani, after completing five impeccable innings, where he only needed 68 pitches to retire 18 Phillies batters, generated expectations. The sixth inning represented uncharted territory in his return after a second elbow repair.Despite Ohtani’s affirmative response when questioned about his physical condition, Roberts decided to stick to the initial plan.The result was that Ohtani left the mound, and reliever Justin Wrobleski allowed a four-run lead to quickly vanish. Later, Ohtani hit his 50th home run, but Blake Treinen gave up a three-run homer to Rafael Marchan, which sealed another loss for the Dodgers with a score of 9-6, raising doubts about the team’s bullpen and the handling of Ohtani in the future.
The Strategic Decision
Roberts explained that his question to Ohtani in the fifth inning aimed to gather information for future decisions. The initial strategy, according to Roberts, was for Ohtani to pitch only five innings, and he did not deviate from that plan. The manager emphasized the importance of not risking Ohtani, who is fundamental to the team.I’m not going to have a plan for five innings, and then pitch well and say, ‘Hey, now you’re going to go for six innings’.
Dave Roberts, Dodgers ManagerOhtani, for his part, struck out five batters and allowed only one runner on base in the first five innings. His fastball averaged 99.2 mph, and his “sweeper” was very effective. Although Ohtani had not completed five innings since August 27, the manager had a set plan.Ohtani, through an interpreter, expressed his desire to pitch as much as possible, but also his respect for the decisions of the coaching staff and management.Roberts reiterated that the decision was predetermined, highlighting Ohtani’s uniqueness as “two players in one”.Instead of Ohtani, Wrobleski entered in relief and couldn’t hold the lead. Marchan, Harrison Bader, and Kyle Schwarber hit consecutive singles, Bryce Harper drove in two runs with a double, and Brandon Marsh hit a three-run home run, giving the Phillies the lead.Ohtani later hit a 430-foot home run in the eighth inning, becoming the first player since Alex Rodriguez in 2002 to reach 50 home runs in consecutive seasons.The game continued with a sacrifice fly by Alex Call, which tied the score, and Treinen entered for the ninth inning, where he gave up the winning home run to Marchan.Treinen acknowledged the fans’ frustration and the difficulty players have faced this season.The Dodgers’ bullpen presents itself as a concern for the postseason. The rotation, which extends to six members, will be key. Ohtani’s playing time management remains a question mark, and Roberts emphasized that any changes to this plan will require a conversation with the player and management.
