Dave Roberts teases an all-out Shohei Ohtani plan for World Series finale

Shohei Ohtani could return to the mound if the World Series stretches to a decisive Game 7, as manager Dave Roberts is considering using every possible weapon to keep the Los Angeles Dodgers’ title hopes alive.

“The Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, says that Shohei Ohtani has all options open for a possible Game 7 – including closer, starter, outfielder, everything,” reported MLB insider Bob Nightengale.

The Japanese star threw 93 pitches in Wednesday’s 6–2 loss in Game 4 and could be available out of the bullpen this weekend at the Rogers Centre.

“I think we’d consider all options,” Roberts said Thursday before Game 6. “It’s really about doing everything we can to get through tomorrow’s game, recover, and see what’s the best way to attack a possible Game 7. So everything should be on the table – and it certainly will be.”

As a hitter in the postseason, Ohtani is batting .250 with eight home runs, 14 RBIs, and 14 walks, carrying a stellar 1.109 OPS.

Implications of using Ohtani as relief pitcher

There are, however, important considerations. If Ohtani enters as a reliever after starting as designated hitter, the Dodgers would lose the DH spot. He can remain in the game as DH only if he starts as pitcher – as he did in Game 4. Roberts will have to play his cards carefully.

It’s also worth noting that Ohtani has never pitched in relief in MLB, though he did so in Japan and most notably in the World Baseball Classic, when Japan clinched the title against Team USA.

If he comes in from the bullpen after serving as DH, Ohtani would need to move to a defensive position to stay in the lineup once his mound appearance ends. During his time with the Los Angeles Angels, he occasionally played the outfield before the rule change allowing starting pitchers to remain as designated hitters after being pulled from the mound.

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