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Shohei Ohtani Open to Outfield in Postseason to Enable Relief Role

Team officials are weighing a DH-rule workaround against his health limits plus minimal outfield experience.

Sep 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) runs towards first base after a ground out against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Manager Dave Roberts #30 of the Los Angeles Dodgers watches as Shohei Ohtani #17 takes part in a bullpen session during spring training workouts at Camelback Ranch on February 25, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona.
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Overview

  • Ohtani told Japanese reporters he is willing to play the outfield in October so the Dodgers could use him out of the bullpen without removing his bat.
  • Under MLB rules, a starter can remain as DH after leaving the mound, but a DH who later pitches costs the team the DH, making an outfield start a potential workaround.
  • Manager Dave Roberts welcomed Ohtani’s openness yet cautioned that he hasn’t taken a fly ball all year and last played the outfield in 2021 across seven appearances.
  • The discussion intensified after Roberts pulled Ohtani at 68 pitches following five no-hit innings and the bullpen surrendered a lead in a loss to the Phillies.
  • President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman signaled continued caution on Ohtani’s workload, indicating the club may not push him much past five innings in October, even as Ohtani reached 50 home runs and a unique 50-HR/50-K season.