Overview

• Shohei Ohtani told Japanese reporters the concept has been discussed internally and said he wants to be prepared if asked to change positions.
• Manager Dave Roberts did not rule it out but stressed caution, noting Ohtani has not taken a fly ball this year and last played the outfield in 2021.
• A 2022 MLB rule lets a removed starting pitcher remain as DH but forces a team to forfeit the DH if a player who starts as DH later pitches in relief, making outfield duty a potential workaround.
• Los Angeles’ bullpen performance has fueled the discussion, including nine runs allowed after Ohtani’s five hitless innings in a 9-6 loss to the Phillies on Tuesday.
• Ohtani has never relieved in an MLB game, though he did close the 2023 World Baseball Classic for Japan, so any October relief role would be unprecedented for him in the majors.