Dodgers' intriguing plan for Shohei Ohtani could work

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Dodgers have intriguing plan for Shohei Ohtani — and it just might work

By David Hill | Last updated Sep 18, 2025 9:36 AM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani has continued to impress on the mound as he builds his pitch count.

Ohtani fired 68 pitches on Tuesday over five scoreless innings, striking out five while allowing just one walk. His outing was the fifth consecutive appearance where he threw over 65 pitches and just the second time that he was able to complete five innings. He has posted a 3.29 ERA and a 1.073 WHIP over 41 innings this season, striking out 54 batters with nine walks.

Although the Dodgers have been able to manage Ohtani's workload as he is making his way back from his second elbow surgery, that would be more difficult in the postseason. However, the Dodgers and Ohtani may have a plan. As Michael Duarte from NBC L.A. relays, the Dodgers and Ohtani have discussed having the two-way star play in the outfield so he can be used as a reliever in the playoffs.

Shohei Ohtani told Japanese media tonight that he's been having internal conversations with the organization about possibly playing the outfield in order to be used in relief.
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) September 17, 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers' novel plan for Shohei Ohtani could work

There are question marks with such a plan. Ohtani has not played in the outfield since 2021, when he had seven appearances spanning 8.1 innings without a fielding opportunity. However, Ohtani did have 64 appearances in the outfield during his time with the Nippon Ham Fighters, but 56 of those came in his rookie season in 2013.

While Ohtani is allowed to continue as the designated hitter if he is used as a starting pitcher, that would not be the case as a reliever. He would either need to head to the outfield or be lost for the rest of the game, with the Dodgers forfeiting the DH spot in the lineup.

The Dodgers have had problems in the back end of their bullpen. Relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates have struggled in their first season in Los Angeles. Ohtani could be a difference-maker regardless of his role in the bullpen, as he proved during the 2023 World Baseball Classic when he struck out former teammate Mike Trout to win the tournament.

Some of the most memorable moments from the 2023 World Baseball Classic

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1. Shohei Ohtani strikes out Mike Trout and Japan wins the WBC title pic.twitter.com/Qe2mDGlP6R
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 21, 2024

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

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