In a strategic move that generates anticipation, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has revealed that the organization is considering the possibility of using Shohei Ohtani in the bullpen during the playoffs. Although the most likely option is that Ohtani will remain a starter, the idea of him reinforcing the relief corps is on the table.
A Deep Dive into Ohtani’s Role
Roberts has emphasized that this possibility is being discussed internally. The manager has also highlighted the importance of considering Ohtani’s rest time, who usually pitches every seven or eight days, even up to eleven days between his starts. Adapting a pitcher with such a specific routine to a relief role presents unique challenges. Ohtani is known for his discipline and methodology, while the bullpen demands a completely different adaptability.The Dodgers’ prudence in managing Ohtani’s return to the mound, after his second ulnar collateral ligament repair, was evident when Roberts took him out of the game after five hitless innings, despite only 68 pitches. This predetermined decision responded to the need not to exceed the five-inning limit this season. Ohtani, for his part, has expressed his desire to pitch as much as possible. In addition, he has shown openness to play in the outfield to remain in the lineup after relieving. “I want to be prepared for any role that is needed. If I end up pitching from the bullpen, I might need to play in the outfield afterwards, depending on the situation. I want to be ready for anything,” Ohtani stated. The MLB’s two-way rule allows Ohtani to remain as the designated hitter if he starts as a pitcher and is replaced. However, if he were to start as the designated hitter and then relieve, the Dodgers would lose the designated hitter once Ohtani stopped pitching. The only way for Ohtani to stay in the game would be by playing in the outfield, something he did seven times with the Angels in 2021. The Dodgers are cautious about adding more responsibilities to a key player in their lineup, in addition to being a threat on the stolen bases. When asked if Ohtani in the outfield is on their radar, Roberts replied with a smile: “No”. The possibility of Ohtani closing out a crucial game in October, as he did to secure Japan’s championship in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, has increased as the bullpen has shown struggles and the rotation has solidified. The Dodgers have other effective starters such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, and Emmet Sheehan, the latter of whom has also proven effective from the bullpen. Some of their high-pressure relievers, such as Blake Treinen, Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, and Michael Kopech, have struggled to varying degrees. If Ohtani were to pitch as a reliever, it would be in the ninth inning. However, coordinating warm-up in the bullpen with his batting turns or the need to run the bases could be complicated. The Dodgers would also run the risk of losing him as a batter or having to put him in the outfield if the game goes into extra innings. “I don’t know if it’s a pipe dream,” Roberts said about the possibility of Ohtani playing in the outfield, “but it’s very commendable of Shohei.”“We are considering the possibility of Shohei Ohtani contributing from the bullpen, it’s something we are discussing,” Roberts commented.
Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
