TORONTO — The Los Angeles Dodgers are keeping all options open when it comes to two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani as they look to close out the American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Ohtani could potentially pitch in relief or even play the outfield if Los Angeles forces a decisive Game 7.
Ohtani, who threw 93 pitches in Wednesday’s 6-2 loss in Game 4, could be available as a reliever this weekend in Toronto. However, using him as a reliever after starting as the designated hitter would mean the Dodgers would lose their DH spot unless he also takes the mound to start the game.
“I think we would consider everything,” Roberts said ahead of Game 6. “It’s more of just kind of doing whatever we can to get through tomorrow and then pick up the pieces and then see what’s the best way to attack a potential Game 7. So everything should be on the table and will be, for sure.”
Roberts added that he planned to discuss options with Ohtani later Thursday.
While Ohtani has never pitched in relief in Major League Baseball, he did make a few relief appearances as a rookie in 2013 for Japan’s Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. He also famously closed out Japan’s 2023 World Baseball Classic victory over the United States, striking out his then-Angels teammate Mike Trout for the final out.
In the postseason, Ohtani has been effective both at the plate and on the mound. He is batting .250 with eight home runs, 14 RBIs, and 14 walks, compiling a 1.109 OPS. On the mound, he is 2-1 with a 3.50 ERA and 25 strikeouts across 18 innings.
If Ohtani enters as a reliever after starting as DH, he would need to stay in the game at another position once his pitching appearance concludes. He has experience in the outfield, having made seven appearances there for the Angels in 2021, before the rule allowing starters to remain as DH after leaving the mound was implemented.
Adding a light-hearted moment to the Dodgers’ practice, Roberts took part in a fun on-field drill with Hyeseong Kim, racing him around the bases — only to stumble and fall near second base. The 53-year-old manager playfully feigned a hamstring injury before getting up, providing some levity to the tense series.
As the series moves toward a potential Game 7, all eyes will be on how the Dodgers choose to utilize one of baseball’s most unique talents.