Dodgers’ Bullpen Woes Spark Wild Ohtani Relief Pitcher Speculation

Los Angeles, CA — As the postseason looms, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves grappling with a familiar foe: an inconsistent bullpen. While many managers might see this as a daunting challenge, Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts is exploring a truly unconventional solution — one that involves the unparalleled talents of Shohei Ohtani.

A Desperate Measure or a Stroke of Genius?

The idea of deploying Ohtani, one of baseball’s most electrifying two-way stars, in a relief role is certainly audacious. Yet, with the Dodgers’ World Series aspirations potentially hanging in the balance, Roberts is leaving no stone unturned. “This is our pennant race right now. It started early, and we’ve got to win every game,” Roberts emphasized to reporters, highlighting the urgency of their situation.

The numbers paint a clear picture of the bullpen’s struggles. As of Tuesday, Dodgers relievers have logged an MLB-high 585.2 innings with a concerning 4.20 ERA, placing them 19th in the league. These statistics have fueled internal discussions about how to leverage every available asset, including the seemingly limitless capabilities of Ohtani.

Ohtani’s Versatility: A Double-Edged Sword?

While Ohtani has been a solid starter this season, posting a 3.75 ERA in 12 starts with 49 strikeouts in 36 innings, the postseason rotation presents a different challenge. With a formidable stable of arms including Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and a returning Clayton Kershaw, Ohtani might find himself in a “musical chairs” scenario for a starting spot. This depth, paradoxically, could open the door for a radical bullpen experiment.

Roberts acknowledged the discussions, stating, “I can’t answer that question right now… But I think that we’re going to do whatever we feel is the best chance to give us a chance to win. And I know Shohei would be open to whatever. We certainly haven’t made that decision yet, though.” This willingness to consider such a drastic move underscores the Dodgers’ commitment to finding a winning formula.

The “Ohtani Rule” and Practical Hurdles

The prospect of Ohtani as a closer, however, is not without its complexities. The ideal scenario — Ohtani warming up in the seventh and pitching the ninth — is fraught with practical challenges. The need for him to alternate between hitting, running, and warming up again is highly impractical. Furthermore, the “Ohtani Rule” (Rule 5.11(b)) presents a significant risk: if he fails to close out a game and is moved from the mound to a defensive position other than pitcher, the Dodgers would automatically lose their designated hitter for the remainder of the game.

Despite these hurdles, the allure of Ohtani’s “nasty breaking ball” and his competitive spirit, which Roberts has lauded as “lethal,” makes the idea tantalizing. As Roberts himself recently commented, “I’ve never seen anyone as competitive” as Ohtani, a trait that could be invaluable in high-leverage relief situations.

Looking Ahead: A High-Stakes Audition

As the Dodgers navigate the final stretch of the season, every game is a high-stakes audition for their current bullpen arms. Roberts trusts his players but also expects performance. “It’s about, for me, trusting the guys. And you [earn trust] by performing and going after guys, and not pitching too carefully. I’m gonna go with the guys that I trust,” he stated, emphasizing the meritocratic nature of their decision-making.

Should the bullpen’s struggles persist, the seemingly wild idea of Shohei Ohtani as a late-inning reliever might just become an indispensable reality for the Dodgers’ World Series quest. It’s a testament to Ohtani’s unique talent and the Dodgers’ desperate need for a game-changing solution.