LOS ANGELES – Shohei Ohtani has proven to be a viable starting pitcher as the playoffs approach, but Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts admitted Wednesday that the group has considered whether he would help the tired bullpen more valuablely — especially in shorter series like three games, especially in three games.
Ohtani will be one of the Dodgers' starters in the playoffs, but Roberts said the possibility of Ohtani helping in the bullpen is “things we're all talking about.”
“I know we're going to talk about it,” Roberts said. “One thing I think you can say, though, is that we use him every seven, eight, nine days – [11] In between his last game – it can be thought that it is now possible for someone who just did it last year or who hadn't done it last year, and now makes the role he plays very, very unique – because he is a very organized, disciplined, routine driver. The pen is the exact opposite, right? You might be risking, we've come so far, of course, kids' gloves and management. ”
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It was apparent Tuesday that the Dodgers' caution was to return to the mound after the second repair of the ulcer ligament, after the second repair of the ulcer ligament, when Roberts removed him after 68 innings in five innings. Roberts said the decision was pre-determined, and it was a feature of the team’s hesitation to push him above the threshold of five innings this season.
Ohtani said he understood the decision, but added that he wanted to “for as long as possible”. Later, in a speech to the Japanese media, Ohtani said that the show outfield was open and stayed in the roster after quitting as a reliefer, saying: “I talked to individuals and the idea of my relief has come up. As a player, I want to be ready to deal with any role. If I do need to play any role. No matter what happens to me, I want to be prepared for anything.”
The two-way rule adopted by Major League Baseball in 2019, even if Ohtani starts on the mound and is replaced, he can use it as a designated hitter. But if he was going to start a game – even in the playoffs – with the pace of DH, then relax, and once Ohtani stopped pitching, the Dodgers would lose DH. Ohtani's only way to stay in the game in this situation is to play outfield – he has seven times with the Los Angeles Angels in 2021.
However, Ohtani hasn't done any work in the outfield this season. At the same time, the Dodgers will naturally hesitate to increase responsibility for players who are also catalysts on the catalyst lineup, not to mention the threat of legal stolen bases.
When asked if Ohtani in the outfield was on his radar, Roberts smiled and said, “No.
“There are a lot of variables, but it's great to know that he's possible running around there. Maybe it's theoretical. But, I love him again and even throw it there.”
The Dodgers have long had the possibility of ending a key game against Ohtani in October, which is his way of winning the championship for his native Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic – but with the bullpen working, he helped him gradually increase in prospects as a reliefist, while rotation has already taken shape.
The Dodgers have five other effective starters in Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw and Emmet Sheehan, who have also proven to be effective. Some of their highest leverage rescuers – Blake Treinen, Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates and Michael Kopech – worked hard differently.
If Ohtani wants to relax, it will be the ninth inning. However, it can be difficult if it's the bat's turn coming, or if he is asked to run the base, and the cowshed is filled with warm-ups. There is a risk that the Dodgers will lose him as a batsman or if the game extends to an additional situation, it could force him to play in the outfield.
“I don't know it's a dream, but it's very worth it for Shohei,” Roberts said of the outfield.