Dodgers Debate If Shohei Ohtani Fits as a Starter or Secret Bullpen Weapon

The Los Angeles Dodgers face an intriguing decision with superstar Shohei Ohtani as the MLB postseason nears.

While the two-way sensation has shown promise as a starter, manager Dave Roberts admitted the team has discussed using him as a bullpen option to strengthen a fatigued relief corps, particularly in a short series like the wild-card round.

Dodgers Consider Ohtani's Role in October

Dodgers Debate If Shohei Ohtani Fits as a Starter

Although it remains more likely that Ohtani will start playoff games, Roberts confirmed the possibility of a bullpen role is "something we're all talking about." The challenge lies in Ohtani's routine-driven nature as a starter versus the unpredictable demands of relief pitching.

According to ESPN, Roberts highlighted that Ohtani, coming off a second UCL repair, has been handled with extreme caution. That was clear when the Dodgers pulled him after five no-hit innings on just 68 pitches Tuesday, a move planned in advance.

You potentially could be taking on risk, and we've come this far, certainly with the kid gloves and managing.

Ohtani Open to Any Role

In defiance of the limitations, Ohtani admits he has been adaptable. When asked by reporters what he wanted to do, he replied he wanted to "pitch as long as possible" but is willing to make adjustments, such as relief appearances. He even suggested playing the outfield subsequently to remain in the lineup if he leaves the mound.

Major League Baseball's two-way rule permits Ohtani to stay as a designated hitter if he does start on the mound.

In case he starts as a DH and then goes on to pitch, the Dodgers would forfeit the DH position unless he moves into the outfield, a position he has not played since 2021 with the Angels, per Sports Illustrated.

Asked if Ohtani in the outfield is realistic, Roberts smiled and rejected the notion. He said that he loves the fact that the Japanese star is "willing to throw that out there."

The Bullpen Factor

The Dodgers' bullpen woes have also driven the debate. The high-leverage relievers Blake Treinen, Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, and Michael Kopech have been unreliable, while the rotation with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, and Emmet Sheehan appears stronger.

This dynamic has some questioning whether Ohtani would be the secret closer for the Dodgers to shut down games, reminiscent of his legendary World Baseball Classic save for Japan in 2023. But the logistics are still complicated: warming up in the bullpen while also getting ready to hit, or handling base-running

Roberts acknowledged that Ohtani closing a critical game is a tempting thought, but insisted the Dodgers must weigh risk against reward. He assured that they wouldn't jeopardize his long-term health amid the decisions.