In a strategic move for a potential World Series Game 7, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is considering using two-way star Shohei Ohtani as an opener or even an outfielder, highlighting the high stakes as the team trails the Toronto Blue Jays. This unconventional approach could leverage Ohtani’s unique abilities to secure a championship in a must-win scenario.
The Dodgers face elimination, down 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, with Game 6 in Toronto serving as a critical hurdle to force a decisive Game 7. Roberts emphasized that all options are on the table, reflecting the urgency to adapt and maximize resources against a tough Blue Jays lineup. Ohtani’s availability adds complexity, as he threw 93 pitches in Wednesday’s Game 4 loss but could be used in relief roles over the weekend, depending on how the series unfolds.
Roberts stated on Thursday that he plans to discuss various scenarios with Ohtani, including the possibility of pitching out of the bullpen or playing in the outfield. ‘I think we would consider everything,’ Roberts said, noting that the team is focused on surviving Game 6 before finalizing plans for a potential Game 7. This open-minded strategy underscores a willingness to break from traditional baseball norms in pursuit of victory, with Ohtani’s versatility at the core of these deliberations.
A significant factor in these considerations is Major League Baseball’s designated hitter rule. If Ohtani enters as a reliever after starting as the DH, the Dodgers would lose the DH for the remainder of the game, forcing him to play a position to stay in the lineup. However, if he starts as the opener, he could continue as the DH after his pitching stint, preserving offensive flexibility. This rule nuance makes the opener role particularly attractive, as it allows Ohtani to contribute both on the mound and at the plate without sacrificing the DH.
Ohtani has no experience pitching in relief during his MLB career, but he made handful of relief appearances in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball and famously closed out Japan’s win in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. His defensive capabilities include seven outfield appearances with the Angels in 2021, before rule changes allowed starting pitchers to remain as DH. This history supports the feasibility of such roles, demonstrating his adaptability and value in high-pressure situations.
In the postseason, Ohtani has been a standout performer, batting .250 with eight home runs, 14 RBIs, and a 1.109 OPS, while posting a 2-1 record with a 3.50 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 18 innings pitched. His recent on-field batting practice in Toronto, a rare occurrence, suggests he is preparing for any role, potentially aiming to exploit the hitter-friendly dimensions of Rogers Centre. These stats underscore why Roberts views him as a game-changer capable of shifting momentum.
The potential use of Ohtani in these roles could disrupt the Blue Jays’ strategies and provide the Dodgers with a tactical advantage, emphasizing his impact as a dual-threat player. It also reflects broader trends in baseball toward innovation and flexibility in roster management. Roberts’ approach, including a lighthearted moment where he fell during practice, adds human elements to the high-stakes environment, balancing seriousness with team morale.
As the series progresses, the outcome of Game 6 will determine if these plans come to fruition, with Ohtani poised to make history if deployed in relief or the outfield. This strategic depth enriches the World Series narrative, showcasing how modern baseball embraces unconventional thinking to chase championships, with implications for how two-way players might be utilized in future postseasons.