Outfielder? Opener? Shohei Ohtani's Game 7 Role is Wide Open

If the Dodgers force a Game 7 against Toronto, manager Dave Roberts may use Shohei Ohtani in unconventional roles. Roberts is open to using Ohtani as an opener or even as an outfielder.

Ohtani threw 93 pitches in the Dodgers’ 6-2 loss in Game 4 and could be available as a reliever this weekend in Toronto. However, if Ohtani enters as a reliever after starting as a designated hitter, the Dodgers would lose their DH spot. He can stay in the game as DH if he also starts as the pitcher.

“I think we would consider everything,” Roberts said Thursday, a day before Game 6. “It’s more about doing whatever we can to get through tomorrow and then seeing the best way to attack a potential Game 7. So everything should be on the table and will be, for sure.”

Roberts planned to discuss these options with Ohtani later on Thursday.

Ohtani has never pitched in relief during his MLB career. He made a few relief appearances in Japan for the Pacific League's Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, mostly as a rookie in 2013. He also closed out Japan’s win in the 2023 World Baseball Classic final against the United States, striking out then-teammate Mike Trout for the final out.

On Thursday, Ohtani took on-field batting practice—something he rarely does—hitting balls off a hotel behind center field.

Summary: Dodgers consider using Shohei Ohtani in flexible roles for a possible Game 7, weighing unique pitching and batting strategies to optimize their chances.

FOX Sports — 2025-10-31

Outfielder? Opener? Shohei Ohtani's Game 7 Role is Wide Open

More News