"Manager Dave Roberts recently spoke on the likelihood of superstar Shohei Ohtani pitching in relief this postseason. Although the three-time MVP's 12 outings have been as a starter this season, the skipper didn't rule out the idea of a bullpen appearance this October. "I think ideally, how we run things, we like to give a run of show for certain things, roles, before you do it in the postseason. But he has done it before in the (World Baseball) Classic," Roberts said. "In the postseason, there's a lot of things that happen that are unforeseen.""
"As a starter, Ohtani is able to concurrently pitch and hit, and continue hitting after he is pulled from the game. If he were to start the game hitting and later enter in relief, he would not be able to remain in the game as a hitter when he is done as a reliever. If the Dodgers were to use Ohtani out of the bullpen, they would have to be certain that his spot in the lineup wouldn't come up again before the game concludes, or be fine with a new hitter occupying Ohtani's spot in the order."
The Dodgers face bullpen depth issues exacerbated by injuries as the postseason approaches. Shohei Ohtani has started all 12 of his outings this season but remains a potential relief option for October. Team strategy typically favors established roles before postseason usage, yet prior relief experience in the World Baseball Classic exists. Using Ohtani in relief would remove his ability to continue hitting afterward, creating lineup and substitution complications. Any decision would require assurance that Ohtani's spot in the batting order would not reappear or acceptance of a replacement hitter. No postseason decision has been finalized.
Read at Dodgers Nation
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