Outfielder? Opener? Shohei Ohtani's Game 7 Role is Wide Open
If the Dodgers push the World Series to a decisive Game 7, manager Dave Roberts may deploy Shohei Ohtani in unexpected ways. The two-way superstar could appear as either an opener or take the field as an outfielder against Toronto.
In Game 4, Ohtani threw 93 pitches during Los Angeles’ 6-2 loss. He might serve as a reliever in Toronto this weekend. However, entering as a relief pitcher after starting as the designated hitter would remove the Dodgers’ DH spot. If he begins as both pitcher and DH, he can remain in the lineup after leaving the mound.
"I think we would consider everything," Roberts said Thursday before Game 6. "It’s about doing whatever we can to get through tomorrow and then seeing how to handle a potential Game 7. Everything should be on the table."
Roberts mentioned he would talk over possible roles with Ohtani later that day. Notably, Ohtani has never pitched in relief during his Major League Baseball career. During his time with Japan’s Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, he made a few bullpen appearances, primarily as a rookie in 2013.
Ohtani famously closed out Japan’s victory in the 2023 World Baseball Classic final against the United States by striking out then-Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout. On Thursday, he took on-field batting practice — something he rarely does — and sent several balls soaring toward the hotel beyond center field.
Author’s Summary
Shohei Ohtani’s potential Game 7 role remains uncertain, with Dave Roberts open to using him as a pitcher, outfielder, or both in a pivotal World Series matchup.