Dodgers’ Playoff Plans Hang in Balance as Dave Roberts Mulls Shohei Ohtani’s Potential Bullpen Role
As the Los Angeles Dodgers inch closer to the postseason, manager Dave Roberts faces a pivotal decision regarding the role of designated hitter Shohei Ohtani. With the team’s bullpen struggling, Ohtani’s potential transition to a relief pitcher could be a game-changer.
Optimism Amid Bullpen Struggles
Roberts has built a reputation for his optimistic approach, even when confronted with challenges. “This is our pennant race right now. It started early, and we’ve got to win every game,” he emphasized to reporters, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Roberts expressed confidence in his bullpen, stating, “It’s about, for me, trusting the guys. You earn that trust by performing and going after guys, not pitching too carefully.”
Despite the trust Roberts places in his players, the statistics tell a different story. The Dodgers’ relief pitchers have logged an MLB-high 585.2 innings this season, with a 4.20 ERA that ranks 19th across the league. Furthermore, they have recorded one of the highest numbers of blown saves, leaving the door open for Ohtani to step in if needed.
Ohtani’s Versatility and Potential Role
Ohtani has proven himself on the mound as a starter, maintaining a respectable 3.75 ERA across 12 starts, with an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio of 49 strikeouts to just eight walks in 36 innings. However, as the postseason looms, the Dodgers are likely to depend on only four starters, which raises the question of how to best utilize Ohtani’s talents.
Roberts acknowledged that there have been “thoughts about” Ohtani contributing in a ninth-inning role. This potential shift introduces a myriad of complications, particularly regarding the logistics of managing a two-way player. Ideally, Ohtani would begin warming up in the bullpen after completing an out in the seventh inning, using the eighth inning to stay loose. But if he is called upon to pitch, the timing could disrupt his role as the designated hitter.
Navigating the “Ohtani Rule”
The complexities surrounding Ohtani’s potential role are exacerbated by the “Ohtani rule,” which stipulates that if a two-way player bats or runs as a designated hitter and then switches to a defensive position other than pitcher, the team loses its designated hitter for the remainder of the game. This rule could significantly impact the Dodgers if they decide to utilize Ohtani as a reliever in the postseason.
As Roberts weighs his options, the performance of Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates—two high-priced free-agent acquisitions—remains a crucial factor. Both pitchers have struggled throughout the season, making it difficult for Roberts to completely rule out the possibility of Ohtani stepping into a relief role when it matters most in October.
In this critical juncture, the Dodgers’ playoff plans may hinge not only on their current bullpen’s performance but also on how they navigate the unique challenges posed by a player like Shohei Ohtani. As the stakes rise, the decisions made in the coming weeks could define their postseason journey.
