Ohtani told members of the Japanese media on Tuesday that he is willing to do whatever the team needs in the postseason, even if that means vacating his DH spot to pitch in relief and then move to the outfield later in the game.
The options for Shohei Ohtani moving forward seem endless, like numbers on a lottery ticket or building a pie at a pizza joint with dozens of toppings.
Ohtani told members of the Japanese media on Tuesday that he is willing to do whatever the Dodgers need in October, even if that means vacating his designated hitter spot to pitch in relief and then move to the outfield later in the same game.
That kind of pitching move would eliminate the designated hitter spot for the team for the rest of the game.
It is a move that would help a beleaguered bullpen, but the playoffs are about taking down innings from the pitchers. Even though Ohtani’s starts have been limited to five innings maximum (to this point), that would be more than a one- or two-inning relief appearance.
With how the bullpen has been performing lately, the Dodgers would seem to be in a spot where anything is on the table for the playoffs.
So is Ohtani in the outfield a possibility?
“No,” Manager Dave Roberts said.
He winked when he said it.
Is an altered role a real possibility?
“It’s something we’re all talking about,” Roberts said when asked specifically if the three-time league MVP has more value as a starter or a reliever in the playoffs.
“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.”
Considering wild scenarios has become mandatory with the Dodgers’ season-long bullpen struggles.
