Ohtani May Pitch Relief for Dodgers in Late World Series Games
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani may take on a relief pitching role in the late stages of the World Series. While Ohtani has never pitched in relief during his Major League Baseball career, he has experience in this role from his days in Japan.
Ohtani’s Relief Pitching Background
Ohtani began his professional baseball career with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, where he had a few relief appearances. His most notable recent relief outing occurred during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Ohtani made headlines by striking out Mike Trout, his former teammate, to secure Japan’s championship victory.
Potential Role in the World Series
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has yet to discuss specific plans with Ohtani regarding his role in the final games of the best-of-seven series. Roberts emphasized the importance of flexibility as the series progresses. “When you’re talking about Game 6, potentially Game 7 of the World Series, all hands on deck,” Roberts stated.
Upcoming Games
- Game 6: Scheduled for Friday at Rogers Centre.
- Game 7: If necessary, will be played on Saturday.
The Ohtani Rule Explained
Ohtani’s participation affects team strategy due to the specific rules governing two-way players. If he starts as a pitcher and is replaced, he can continue playing as the designated hitter. However, if he begins as the DH and transitions to the mound, the team would lose the designated hitter once his pitching stint is completed.
Recent Performance
In his first World Series start, Ohtani faced challenges against the Toronto Blue Jays. He was responsible for four runs on six hits in a 6-2 loss on Tuesday. Over six-plus innings, Ohtani struck out six batters and issued one walk. Notably, he surrendered his first postseason home run, a two-run shot by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the third inning.
As the Dodgers look to regain control in the series, the potential for Ohtani to pitch in a relief role could be a critical factor in their strategy.
