Shohei Ohtani continues to defy expectations! Despite a tough loss for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Philadelphia Phillies (PHI 9, LA 6), Ohtani delivered a phenomenal performance Tuesday night, pitching five no-hit innings *and* smashing his 50th home run. It's a testament to his unparalleled talent. But the big question now is: What role will Ohtani play as the Dodgers head into the MLB playoffs?
The Dodgers, while likely securing a postseason berth, face ongoing bullpen challenges. Their starting rotation, however, is currently strong, featuring Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, Emmet Sheehan, Blake Snell, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. With such talent, the Dodgers are considering all options to maximize their chances in October.
Ohtani in Relief? A Bold Move
One possibility being discussed is utilizing Ohtani in the bullpen. While he has experience pitching in relief, including his memorable strikeout of Mike Trout to win the World Baseball Classic Championship, using him in this role presents challenges. Current MLB rules allow Ohtani to remain as the designated hitter (DH) after starting as pitcher. However, bringing him in for relief would mean forfeiting the DH, a significant sacrifice given Ohtani's offensive prowess.
Could Ohtani Play the Outfield?
To keep his bat in the lineup, the Dodgers are reportedly exploring the possibility of Ohtani playing in the outfield. This would allow them to utilize his pitching skills in relief without losing his offensive impact. It's a bold and potentially game-changing strategy that could give the Dodgers a unique edge in the playoffs.
Ultimately, the Dodgers' playoff strategy remains to be seen. But with Shohei Ohtani's versatility and talent, they have options that most teams can only dream of. This is one to watch as the playoffs approach!