The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a lot of uncertainty about their bullpen this season, but manager Dave Roberts revealed that the possibility to use Shohei Ohtani in relief in October could very well be an option for LA.
Last month Dodgers Pitching coach Mark Prior spoke about the possibility that Ohtani was used from the Bullpen, and went so far that the idea was ‘discussed’. Roberts spoke more openly about the idea on Monday.
More news: Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernandez opens’ frustrating ‘season
“I can’t answer that question now,” said Roberts. “But I think we are going to do what we think is the best chance to give us a chance to win. And I know that Shohei would be open to anything. We have certainly not taken that decision yet.”
Given the rules that Ohtani would not be used as a designated batter, Reliever, and when leaving the hill, back to a DH, there is a lot to consider if Ohtani would pitch in a game that he does not start. His talents on the record, which will almost certainly win a fourth MVP prize, are too valuable to lose in the game later.
A situation that Ohtani would enter in relief should be one where his place in the stroke order would no longer be, or if he throws at the bottom of the ninth. Any other relief occurring, knowing that Ohtani’s place should be in the order, should be deliberately skipped if it is on the hill and is then removed from the game.
Ohtani as a pitcher has an ERA of 3.75 over 36 innings this season, and deposits at 49 and runs only eight throughout the year.
Regarding the violation that is too valuable to leave, Ohtani de National League leads in Slugging percentage (.612), OPS (1.002) and deliberate walks (16). He is third in baseball in Thuis Runs (second in the National League) with 48, and is by far MLB’s Runs leader with 128, because Aaron Judge 114 has in second place.
More news: Dodgers ‘Too Good’ not to turn things around, says Clayton Kershaw
Photocredit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagnen Images
Did you become a member of our Discord -channel yet? Be part of the Ultimate Dodgers Nation Community and get access to VIP Nation! Don’t miss a real-time Dodgers talk, call-in access to Dodgers Dougout, content behind the scenes, exclusive interviews, giveaway actions and more!
#Dodgers #Shohei #Ohtani #closer #play #offs #Dave #Roberts