Thu Sep 18 04:40:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Ohtani Hints at Outfield Role for Dodgers in October Amidst Bullpen Struggles**

**LOS ANGELES, CA –** Could Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ two-way phenom, be patrolling the outfield during the playoffs? After a stellar performance on Tuesday that included five innings of no-hit baseball and his 50th home run of the season, Ohtani floated the possibility of taking on an outfield role to Japanese media, acknowledging the Dodgers’ struggling bullpen.

Ohtani, who is expected to start games in the playoffs, has also discussed the possibility of pitching in relief with the team. However, current MLB rules present a challenge. While Ohtani can remain as the designated hitter (DH) after being pulled from a start on the mound, he would forfeit the DH position if he began the game as DH and then pitched in relief.

This rule loophole has sparked the idea of Ohtani playing in the outfield. Ohtani hasn’t played the outfield since his time with the Angels in 2021. He also has never made a relief appearance in his MLB career.

“As a player, if I’m told to go somewhere, I want to be prepared to do so,” Ohtani stated, leaving the door open to both mound and outfield duties.

While not completely dismissing the notion, Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts initially cited Ohtani’s lack of recent outfield experience. The next day, however, Roberts sounded less optimistic, emphasizing the disruption to Ohtani’s routine and the potential increased workload, “I don’t know if it’s a pipe dream, but it’s very commendable from Shohei… There’s a lot of variables.”

The idea of Ohtani in the bullpen also presents its own complications, especially considering he is returning from a second major elbow surgery. The Dodgers have carefully managed Ohtani’s workload, including adhering to strict pitch counts and ample rest between starts. Integrating him into the unpredictable nature of bullpen usage could be risky.

“He’s a very methodical, disciplined, routine-driven person,” Roberts explained. “The ‘pen is the complete opposite, right? You potentially could be taking on risk, and we’ve come this far, certainly with the kid gloves and managing. So it’s a very fair question. I just don’t know how it could play out. But it’s something we’re all talking about.”

Ultimately, while Ohtani’s willingness to contribute in unconventional ways is laudable, whether Dodgers fans will see him roaming the outfield or entering from the bullpen this October remains to be seen. The Dodgers will need to weigh the potential benefits against the logistical challenges and risks to their star player’s health and carefully managed routine.

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