Shohei Ohtani Open to Position Change for MLB Playoffs

LOS ANGELES – Shohei Ohtani has already redefined what’s possible in Major League Baseball. But now, the Dodgers’ two-way superstar is hinting at another wrinkle that could shake up October baseball: a return to the outfield.

After tossing five innings of no-hit ball and launching his 50th homer of the season in Tuesday’s 9-6 loss to the Phillies, Ohtani floated the possibility of playing the outfield during the postseason. It’s an idea that highlights both his versatility and the Dodgers’ growing need to find creative solutions in the wake of bullpen struggles.

The question stems from MLB’s current rules on designated hitters. If Ohtani starts as a pitcher, he can remain in the lineup as the DH once his pitching outing ends. But if he starts as the DH and later comes in as a reliever, the Dodgers would lose the DH once he leaves the mound.

Putting him in the outfield to keep his bat in the lineup while also giving the Dodgers the flexibility to use his arm later.

Ohtani has limited MLB experience in the outfield, last appearing there in 2021 with the Angels. He played seven total games – six in right and one in left – before the league instituted the new DH rule for pitchers.

While he has never entered a big-league game as a reliever, Ohtani famously closed out the 2023 World Baseball Classic title game against Team USA, striking out Mike Trout in one of the most iconic moments in international baseball history. That brief but unforgettable outing remains the clearest glimpse of what Ohtani could offer in a high-leverage bullpen role.

“As a player, if I’m told to go somewhere, I want to be prepared to do so,” Ohtani told Japanese reporters. “That’s on the mound and perhaps even in the outfield.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts initially didn’t rule out the idea on Tuesday, acknowledging Ohtani’s willingness and versatility. But by Wednesday, he seemed to temper expectations, describing the concept as “commendable” but likely unrealistic.

“I don’t know if it’s a pipe dream, but it’s very commendable from Shohei,” Roberts said. “There’s a lot of moving parts … a lot of variables. Maybe just in theory. But again, I love him for even throwing that out there.”

For the Dodgers, the notion of Ohtani roaming the outfield is more symbolic than probable. The team faces legitimate concerns about its bullpen depth, but the risk of overloading its superstar might outweigh the reward.

Still, even the possibility underscores Ohtani’s unique value. Few players in history could even entertain such a discussion. For the Dodgers, having a player capable of pitching, slugging, and potentially patrolling the outfield in the postseason is both a luxury and a reminder of how special Ohtani truly is.

October may not bring “Ohtani the Outfielder,” but the mere thought of it is another chapter in the remarkable story of baseball’s most versatile star.