Dodger's mulling over the possibility of employing Ohtani in a relief pitching role.
In the dynamic world of Major League Baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers are facing an intriguing dilemma with their Japanese superstar, Shohei Ohtani. Known for his exceptional pitching and hitting prowess, Ohtani's versatility has raised questions about a potential shift in his role within the team.
As of Wednesday, Ohtani has smashed 50 home runs this season, a testament to his formidable batting abilities. However, his pitching performance has also been noteworthy. Having started as a pitcher this year, he has not pitched on less than five days' rest, a strategy that has served him well so far.
Under major league rules, if Ohtani starts a game as a pitcher and is replaced on the mound, he can continue batting as a designated hitter. This is a luxury that the Dodgers have enjoyed, but there could be a change on the horizon.
Rumours of Ohtani pitching in relief have been circulating, a move that would require a different approach compared to his current starting pitcher role. The 'pen (bullpen) has a different scheduling and workload compared to starting pitchers, a factor that the team is considering carefully.
Dave Roberts, the Dodgers' manager, has expressed appreciation for Ohtani's willingness to even consider playing in the outfield. However, he has also expressed concern about the potential risks of changing Ohtani's routine. Roberts mentioned that there are many moving parts to consider if Ohtani were to play in the outfield and pitch.
If Ohtani were to pitch out of the bullpen and continue as the designated hitter, the Dodgers would lose the designated hitter when he is replaced on the mound. This is a trade-off that the team would need to weigh carefully, considering the unique talents that Ohtani brings to the table.
Ohtani himself has shown a willingness to adapt, expressing his openness to contributing in any way the Dodgers think he can, including playing in the outfield. His discussions about pitching in relief with different people indicate a readiness to explore new possibilities.
Roberts, however, didn't rule out the possibility of Ohtani playing in the outfield, but didn't make it sound likely. He acknowledged that it is great to know that Ohtani can potentially run out there and play in the outfield, but the decision would require careful consideration of all factors.
The team is currently weighing the potential benefits and risks of changing Ohtani's role, with the Japanese superstar's health and performance at the forefront of their minds. As the season progresses, fans can expect to see more developments in this fascinating story.
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