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The expectation was crystal clear: Shohei Ohtani would be the ace up the Los Angeles Dodgers’ sleeve come October, ready to lead them to a World Series title. But the Japanese superstar’s left knee has thrown a wrench into those dreams, forcing the team to rethink their strategy just as the pressure is cranked up to the max.
The Dodgers made the call to pull Ohtani from the rotation after his knee started acting up again, sidelining him from his last scheduled start. Sure, he can still swing the bat like a beast, but pitching? That’s a whole different ballgame. Every time he climbs the mound, all that weight lands on his left leg, and the risk of making things worse is very real. So, what’s the fix? A much more limited—but still deadly—role.
The buzz in the Dodgers’ clubhouse is simple but could change the game: if Ohtani makes it back before the playoffs, he’ll start—but only for three innings. That way, he can take on the top of the opposing lineup, go all out, and exit before his knee starts screaming. Sounds modest? Maybe. But with the numbers he’s put up this year—1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings, including a jaw-dropping 0.74 ERA in his first 10 starts—three innings of Ohtani could be pure gold in October.
The DH Dilemma and Bullpen Juggling
There’s a tactical reason to keep Ohtani as a starter and not a reliever: when he starts as both pitcher and designated hitter, the Dodgers can pull him off the mound and still keep his bat in the lineup. If they use him as a reliever after he’s been the DH, the team loses the designated hitter spot, and Dave Roberts would have to juggle pitchers in the batting order for the rest of the game. Nobody wants that headache in the middle of the playoffs.
Plus, Ohtani’s entire MLB career has been as a starter. Sure, he closed out the 2023 World Baseball Classic by striking out Mike Trout in a Hollywood moment, but one epic inning doesn’t make him a full-time reliever. Flipping that switch at the last minute would be a risky move.
Dodgers Have the Arms to Protect Ohtani
The Dodgers’ rotation isn’t hanging by a thread without Ohtani. With Yoshinobu Yamamoto ready to take the lead, and Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow on the mend, the team’s got plenty of firepower. They might even snag another starter before the trade deadline. But Ohtani’s real value? He brings that X-factor—he rattles opponents and fires up the fans like nobody else.
That’s why the top priority is keeping him healthy, even if it means just three innings on the mound. Ohtani’s upcoming bullpen sessions will be crucial to see if this plan can actually work. The Dodgers haven’t set a return date, and any setback could mean he’s done pitching for the postseason. But if his knee holds up, there’s no reason to push him for 100 pitches. October isn’t a marathon—it’s a chess match, full of nerves and strategy.
What’s Next for Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers?
The dream scenario for the Dodgers is clear: let Ohtani face the toughest hitters at the start, pull him before his knee acts up, and keep his bat in the lineup. That way, the team protects their investment and gets the most out of their Japanese superstar when it matters most.
If the injury gets worse or his recovery stalls, Plan B is to use him only as a designated hitter. But as long as there’s even a sliver of hope he can pitch, the Dodgers will roll the dice on this hybrid role—which could be the secret sauce to ending their title drought.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shohei Ohtani’s Playoff Role
Why can’t Shohei Ohtani pitch as a reliever in the playoffs?
Because if he comes in as a reliever after being the DH, the Dodgers lose the DH spot and have to let the pitcher hit for the rest of the game—talk about a lineup headache!
How many innings could Ohtani pitch in the playoffs?
The most realistic plan is for him to pitch just three innings per game, taking on the most dangerous part of the opposing lineup and saving his knee from extra wear and tear.
What if Ohtani doesn’t recover in time?
If his knee doesn’t cooperate, the Dodgers will use him strictly as a designated hitter, making the most of his offensive power without risking his health on the mound.
Who will lead the Dodgers’ rotation in October?
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is the top candidate, with Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow as key pieces if they’re healthy in time for the postseason.
When will Ohtani pitch again?
No set date yet. It all depends on how his knee responds in upcoming bullpen sessions and the team’s medical evaluations.
