The Los Angeles Dodgers have been able to mask many of their bullpen flaws on the lack of depth created through constant injuries this season, but with October right around the corner, all excuses are out the door.
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.
More news: Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Makes Major Shohei Ohtani Prediction
“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.”
Of the possible scenarios, Roberts spoke earlier this month on Ohtani’s openness to this idea.
“I can’t answer that question right now,” Roberts said. “But I think that we’re going to do whatever we feel is the best chance to give us a chance to win. And I know Shohei would be open to whatever. We certainly haven’t made that decision yet, though.”
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.
Given the current state of the bullpen, Roberts will have to ensure that if Ohtani does enter a game, it is well worth the risk of taking the bat out of his hands.
More news: Dave Roberts Believes Roki Sasaki Would Be Open to Being Reliever for Dodgers
Photo Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images
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