The Los Angeles Dodgers are preparing for another deep postseason run, led by their two-way superstar, Shohei Ohtani. While speculation has swirled about how to maximize his unique skill set in October, the Dodgers have made it clear they are not willing to gamble with their prized asset.
Ohtani’s Role Remains Traditional
Vote For Your Favorite Dodgers Duo: Ohtani – Yamamoto, Betts – Freeman, Hernandez – Hernandez
Ohtani has been historic this season, hitting .282 with 51 home runs while compiling a 3.29 ERA on the mound. He leads the team in hits, home runs, RBIs, and on-base percentage. Despite his versatility, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shut down any notion of Ohtani playing the outfield in the postseason.
“No,” Roberts said bluntly, per ESPN. “You potentially could be taking on risk, and we’ve come this far, certainly with the kid gloves and managing him.”
Roberts elaborated on the complexities: “There’s a lot of variables. But to know that he can potentially run out there, it’s great. Maybe just in theory. But again, I love him for even throwing that out there.”
Why the Outfield Idea Is Risky
Speculation arose after Ohtani mentioned to Japanese media that he would be willing to play in the outfield if asked. “As a player, if I’m told to go somewhere, I want to be prepared to do so,” Ohtani said.
While Ohtani’s willingness to adapt is admirable, experts warn the risks outweigh potential gains. A.J. Pierzynski recently emphasized on Foul Territory: “They can’t afford Shohei in a big situation if they bring him out of the bullpen unless he goes to the outfield, and you’re going to have to practice in the outfield. And he hasn’t done it. And he hasn’t pitched out of the bullpen… He can’t just practice and be the closer.”
Ohtani has only eight innings of MLB outfield experience, all with the Angels in 2021. Asking him to simultaneously pitch, hit, and play the field in October could jeopardize both his health and the Dodgers’ championship ambitions.
Managing Ohtani’s Workload
The Dodgers have carefully managed Ohtani’s innings since his elbow surgery in 2023. He has been limited to 13 starts and a carefully spaced pitching schedule. Roberts underscored that any drastic change in role could disrupt the routine that has allowed Ohtani to excel.
On using Ohtani in relief or outfield roles, Roberts noted: “Pitching out of the bullpen demands a very different flow, one that conflicts with Ohtani’s methodical, routine-focused approach.”
Dodgers’ Postseason Strategy
Rather than experiment with Ohtani in new positions, the Dodgers plan to rely on their existing depth. Starting pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Clayton Kershaw provide options to limit Ohtani’s innings while keeping him effective at the plate.
The team also has solutions for outfield coverage, with Hyeseong Kim and Tommy Edman expected to fill any gaps. For now, Los Angeles’ focus remains on keeping Ohtani in the roles that have made him indispensable: ace pitcher and central offensive threat.
Patience Over Flash
As October looms, the message is clear: Ohtani’s health and longevity take precedence over speculative maneuvers. With the postseason on the horizon, Roberts and the Dodgers front office are opting for patience rather than experimentation.
Fans may dream of Ohtani sprinting to left field or taking the mound in relief during a critical playoff game. But for a team with legitimate World Series aspirations, the smartest move is to trust the system that has produced success all season — and leave Ohtani exactly where he belongs.
Dodgers fans can take comfort knowing their two-way star will remain the centerpiece of their October plans — and that the organization is protecting the long-term future of perhaps the most unique player in baseball history.