Shohei Ohtani's Potential Roles in Game 7
If the Dodgers force a Game 7, manager Dave Roberts may deploy Shohei Ohtani in unconventional positions. Roberts is open to using Ohtani as an opener or even as an outfielder if Los Angeles pushes the World Series against Toronto to the limit.
Pitching and Batting Strategy
Ohtani threw 93 pitches in Wednesday's 6-2 loss during Game 4 but might be available as a reliever in Toronto this weekend. However, if Ohtani enters as a reliever after starting as the designated hitter (DH), the Dodgers would lose the DH spot. He can stay in the game as DH only if he is also the starting pitcher.
“I think we would consider everything,” Roberts said Thursday, a day before 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 planned to discuss these options with Ohtani later Thursday.
Ohtani’s Experience as a Reliever
Ohtani has never pitched in relief during his Major League Baseball career. He appeared as a reliever a few times in Japan with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, mostly during his rookie season in 2013. Notably, he closed out Japan’s win over the United States in the 2023 World Baseball Classic final, striking out teammate Mike Trout for the final out.
Preparation for Game 6
On Thursday, Ohtani took on-field batting practice, which is rare for him, hitting balls off a hotel behind center field.
Summary: Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is weighing all possible roles for Shohei Ohtani in a potential Game 7, including pitching relief or playing outfield, reflecting his versatile value to the team.
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