Outfielder? Opener? Shohei Ohtani's Game 7 Role is Wide Open
If the Dodgers force a Game 7, manager Dave Roberts might deploy Shohei Ohtani in unconventional roles. Roberts is considering using Ohtani as an opener or even as an outfielder if Los Angeles extends the World Series against Toronto.
Ohtani threw 93 pitches in Wednesday’s 6-2 loss in Game 4 and might be available as a reliever this weekend in Toronto. However, if he enters as a reliever after starting as designated hitter (DH), the Dodgers would lose their DH spot. He can remain as DH only if he is also the starting pitcher.
“I think we would consider everything,” Roberts said on Thursday, the day before Game 6. “It’s more of just kind of doing whatever we can to get through tomorrow and then pick up the pieces and then see what’s the best way to attack a potential Game 7. So everything should be on the table and will be, for sure.”
Roberts planned to discuss options with Ohtani later Thursday. Notably, Ohtani has never pitched in relief in his MLB career, though he had a few relief appearances in Japan as a rookie in 2013 with Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.
Ohtani also closed the 2023 World Baseball Classic final for Japan against the United States, striking out Mike Trout for the final out.
On Thursday, Ohtani took on-field batting practice, which he rarely does, hitting balls off a hotel behind center field.
Author’s summary: Dodgers manager Dave Roberts plans flexible strategies for Shohei Ohtani in a potential Game 7, possibly using him in roles he has never filled in MLB before.
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