The Los Angeles Dodgers are considering using Shohei Ohtani as a relief pitcher in the upcoming postseason.
Ohtani has expressed his willingness to pitch out of the bullpen or even play in the outfield if needed.
Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the discussions but noted Ohtani’s routine-driven nature contrasts with the unpredictability of a bullpen role.
Three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani has already proven he can be among the game’s best, both at the plate and on the mound. What’s left to conquer?
Apparently … pitching in relief and playing the outfield.
‘He’s a very methodical, disciplined, routine-driven person,’ Roberts said. ‘The pen is the complete opposite, right? You potentially could be taking on risk, and we’ve come this far, certainly with the kid gloves and managing.’
However, the unique nature of the playoffs – and the Dodger bullpen’s recent struggles – could make using Ohtani as a reliever this October more plausible.
After not pitching in 2024 while recovering from elbow surgery, Ohtani has a 3.29 ERA and 54/9 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 41 innings on the mound this season. In his last start, he tossed five no-hit innings against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Ohtani told the Japanese media this week he’s had conversations about pitching in relief this postseason and wants ‘to be prepared to handle whatever role is needed.’
And yes, that could also include a few innings in the outfield.
‘If I do end up pitching out of the bullpen, I think that could also mean I’d need to play in the outfield afterward, depending on the situation,’ Ohtani said. ‘So I want to be ready for anything, no matter what comes my way.’
Under MLB rules, Ohtani can stay in the game as the designated hitter on days when he’s the starting pitcher. But if he comes into the game as a pitcher after starting as the DH, the Dodgers would lose the DH spot once he leaves the mound. Unless he closes out the game, he would have to play in the field to keep his place in the batting order.
‘I don’t know if it’s a pipe dream, but it’s very commendable from Shohei,’ Roberts said. ‘There’s a lot of variables. But to know that he can potentially run out there, it’s great. Maybe just in theory. But again, I love him for even throwing that out there.’
Ohtani did make seven appearances in the outfield as a member of the Los Angeles Angels in 2021. And he memorably closed out the 2023 World Baseball Classic championship for Japan, striking out then-teammate Mike Trout for the final out.