Primary Plan: Ohtani in the Playoff Rotation
As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for their title defense, a pivotal question looms over their postseason strategy: how to best deploy two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani on the mound. Since returning from his second major elbow surgery in mid-June, Ohtani has been a key component of the Dodgers’ six-man rotation, and the team’s primary plan is to keep him in that role for the playoffs.
Manager Dave Roberts and President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman have both confirmed that Ohtani is viewed as a starting pitcher for October. “Could it change down the road in the postseason? Possibly,” Roberts stated. “But right now we see him as a starter.”
The Dodgers have carefully managed Ohtani’s workload since his return. In 12 starts, he has posted a 1-1 record with a 3.75 ERA, striking out 49 batters over 36 innings. His outings have gradually increased in length, though he has generally been capped at around five innings to ensure his health. This cautious approach has been part of a broader strategy that has seen the Dodgers’ starting rotation become a major strength, posting a league-leading 3.19 ERA since August 1, as noted by digitaltrendstoday.com.
The Bullpen Temptation
Despite the success of the rotation, the Dodgers’ bullpen has shown moments of unreliability, prompting discussions about using Ohtani in a different capacity. The idea of deploying Ohtani as a high-leverage reliever in critical postseason moments is an intriguing possibility that the team has not dismissed.
There is precedent for such a move. Last year, the Dodgers successfully used starter Walker Buehler out of the bullpen to clinch the World Series. Ohtani himself has a memorable history in a closing role, famously striking out Mike Trout to secure the 2023 World Baseball Classic championship for Team Japan. This experience proves he can handle the pressure of a late-game, high-stakes situation.
The Complication of the “Ohtani Rule”
However, moving Ohtani to the bullpen is complicated by a specific MLB regulation known as the “Ohtani rule.” The rule was designed to allow a player to function as both a pitcher and a designated hitter (DH), but its application varies based on how the player is used.
- When Ohtani is the starting pitcher, he can be removed from the mound and remain in the game as the DH, keeping his powerful bat in the lineup.
- If Ohtani starts the game as the DH and later enters as a relief pitcher, the team forfeits the DH position for the rest of the game once he is taken off the mound. This means the Dodgers would lose Ohtani’s bat.
This crucial distinction presents a significant risk. Using Ohtani for a one-inning relief appearance could mean sacrificing his offensive contributions for the remainder of a tight playoff game. Andrew Friedman expressed his frustration with the rule’s language, telling reporters, “I think they missed the mark with it.” He believes the rule should be amended to encourage the full use of a two-way talent like Ohtani, but acknowledged any change is “more of an offseason, future thing.”
A Calculated Risk for October
For now, the Dodgers must weigh the pros and cons. While Ohtani is not expected to make any relief appearances during the remainder of the regular season, the option remains on the table for the playoffs. The decision will likely depend on the specific circumstances of a game—the score, the inning, and the availability of other bullpen arms.
As Los Angeles prepares for its postseason journey, the strategic deployment of its most unique weapon remains a central storyline. While the plan is for Shohei Ohtani to take the ball as a starter, the allure of his electric arm emerging from the bullpen in a do-or-die moment is a possibility that could define their quest for a second consecutive championship.
