Shohei Ohtani Says He's Open To Playing In The Outfield During The Playoffs So He Can Still Pitch Out Of The Bullpen

Ronald Martinez. Getty Images.

We're already used to seeing Shohei Ohtani do things we've either never seen or haven't seen at years but we may be adding something to that list during the playoffs. Ohtani may be grabbing his glove and heading out to a position that isn't on the pitchers mound for the first time since 2021 when he played a whopping 8.1 innings in the outfield over 7 games. On Monday he talked with reporters and let them know he's willing to play outfield so he could possibly come in from the bullpen while allowing the Dodgers to not lose their DH position. 

That's a team player! The guy is addicted to winning, it's all he knows. He's the best player this generation has ever seen. 50/50, shoving on the mound, he legit does it all. Now there's a chance we get to see his speed in the outfield chasing down fly balls just before he comes in pumping 100 on the mound in the 7th. Unicorn. Now he would have to play the field if he wants to come in from the bullpen and still hit due to a funky rule. Thomas Harrigan broke it down as well as anyone could. 

He wrote "per baseball’s current rules, when Ohtani starts a game on the mound and is replaced, he is able to remain in the game as the designated hitter. But if he were to start the game as the DH and then pitch in relief, the Dodgers would lose the DH once Ohtani's pitching appearance was done."

So essentially they can put him in right or left and have him hit, have a DH, and still can bring Ohtani into the game in the 7th or 8th and not lose their DH spot while still having Ohtani hit. Dave Roberts was asked about it and didn't immediately say no to it, but mentioned that Ohtani really hasn't had reps in the field. It's not beer long softball, you don't roll off the couch and start catching fly balls in right, it's not that easy no matter how many times you do it on Sunday evenings. Now he was pretty damn good back in Japan when he'd play outfield, some decent clips here.

He can still start games and hit I believe, but with how many injuries the Dodgers have in their bullpen and the abbreviated rotation needed for playoff series, it may be more beneficial for Shohei to come in for an inning or two. I've jokingly tossed this around for a while, imagine they make Shohei the closer and he knows he only needs to pitch one inning. He can absolutely unload out there in the pen and really let it eat. Tell me that wouldn't be incredible. Maybe that way they can keep him at DH, have him close and if all goes to plan, not have to lose the DH since hopefully the game would be over. 

We've seen some bullpen heroics from guys before, Randy Johnson going 1.1 innings in Game 7 of the 2001 WS, Madison Bumgarner in 2014, but Ohtani has a real chance to put himself in a league by himself if he's able to rake in October while coming in and pitching some innings in relief for a team that desperately needs healthy arms. Would be incredible to see his happen but I don't think it will….but you could imagine what it would be like, right? He's the most unique superstar we've ever seen. I can't even fathom a player throwing a guy out at home, hitting a home run, and pitching out of the bullpen in a playoff game, man I hope we get to see it.