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17h ago

Dodgers Weigh Ohtani as Postseason Reliever as Roberts Rules Out Outfield Role

The team is balancing bullpen needs with Ohtani's routine and health.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 17: (L-R) Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 and Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers speak in the dugout against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium on September 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Image
Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) and manager Dave Roberts (30) look on from the dugout during the fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Manager Dave Roberts said discussions are ongoing about using Shohei Ohtani out of the bullpen in October but dismissed deploying him in the outfield.
  • Ohtani has told Japanese media he is prepared to relieve if asked and had offered to play the outfield to remain in the batting order after pitching.
  • Roberts cited Ohtani’s methodical, routine-driven preparation and the unpredictability of relief work as key health considerations after last year’s layoff from pitching.
  • MLB rules would cost the Dodgers their designated hitter if Ohtani enters as a reliever after starting as DH, unless he stays on the mound to finish the game.
  • Ohtani has delivered a 3.29 ERA with a 54-to-9 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 41 innings this season, including five no-hit innings in his last start, and his prior outfield experience with the Angels amounts to only a handful of games.