Shohei Ohtani continues to be an essential figure in manager Dave Roberts’ strategy for this MLB season. As the Los Angeles Dodgers face numerous challenges in the regular season and set their sights on the postseason, plans are already being formulated around Ohtani’s role for the critical upcoming phase of the season.
According to pitching coach Mark Prior, the team is in deliberations about Ohtani’s dual capabilities, contemplating whether he will serve primarily as a pitcher or focus solely on hitting during the postseason. “It’s been discussed,” Prior revealed in an interview with legendary broadcaster Dan Patrick. “We’re assessing the intricacies of using him as a reliever, given the current rules allowing him to exit the game as a starter while remaining in the lineup as a designated hitter.”
Prior elaborated, saying, “When he operates as a reliever, it’s crucial to pinpoint the right moment in the game. You can’t bring him in during the sixth inning and then remove him as a pitcher in the seventh while keeping him as a DH.”
A scenario where Ohtani pitches as a reliever would be optimal if he enters in the latter stages of the game. “It would need to be a situation where we’re confident the game is concluding and he’s closing, or content with him no longer hitting. That’s the sole scenario. Do I envision it? Absolutely,” Prior concluded.
Ohtani’s appearances as a reliever this season
In his 10 appearances on the mound this season, Ohtani has showcased the kind of talent that positions him among the MLB‘s elite dual-threat athletes. Accumulating 27.1 innings of work, Ohtani has conceded 30 hits and 14 runs, including 2 home runs. Despite these numbers, his impressive control is evident, having issued just 5 walks while fanning 35 batters.
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For a player who has also made waves at the plate with a staggering 44 home runs, Ohtani’s pitching stats rival those of some of the league’s top specialists. With the potential for postseason play on the horizon, Ohtani’s influence and legacy within Major League Baseball stand to reach unprecedented heights.
As the Dodgers navigate the crucial upcoming series, the versatility of Ohtani presents an invaluable asset in their quest to claim the championship. Currently leading their division, the Dodgers aim to solidify their standing and avoid the uncertainties of the Wild Card race. Their upcoming clash against the San Diego Padres this weekend promises to be a pivotal moment in their campaign.
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Would be a good idea that Ohtani play as a reliever at any point in the postseason?
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