Outfielder or Opener? Shohei Ohtani’s Possible Game 7 Role
Should the Dodgers push the World Series to a seventh game against Toronto, manager Dave Roberts may deploy Shohei Ohtani in unexpected ways. Options include starting him as an opener or placing him in the outfield.
In Game 4, Ohtani threw 93 pitches during a 6–2 loss. That workload could make him available for relief duty in the coming games in Toronto. However, if he enters as a reliever after serving as designated hitter, the Dodgers would forfeit their DH spot. He can keep his role as DH only if he begins as the starting pitcher.
“I think we would consider everything,” said Dave Roberts on Thursday, ahead of Game 6. “It’s really about doing whatever we can to get through tomorrow, then assess and find the best way to approach a possible Game 7. Everything is on the table.”
Roberts added that he plans to discuss all scenarios with Ohtani later that day. Notably, Ohtani has never pitched in relief during his Major League Baseball career, though he made several such appearances in Japan with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters back in 2013.
He also famously sealed Japan’s victory in the 2023 World Baseball Classic final over the United States by striking out his then–Los Angeles Angels teammate, Mike Trout. On Thursday, Ohtani was seen taking on-field batting practice — a rare sight — launching balls beyond the center-field fence and even toward the hotel behind it.
Author’s Summary
Roberts is keeping all options open for Shohei Ohtani’s potential Game 7 role, exploring both starting and relief possibilities as the Dodgers fight for the World Series.