Dodgers Weigh Unconventional Ohtani Bullpen Deployment

As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare for the 2025 MLB playoffs, they are weighing a bold strategy: using All-Star Shohei Ohtani as a relief pitcher. According to recent reports, the Dodgers are toying with the idea of deploying Ohtani out of the bullpen, even though he has been a dominant starting pitcher this season.

The rationale behind this potential move is that Ohtani's elite arm could have a greater impact coming out of the bullpen, where he could be used in high-leverage situations. However, this decision would come with limitations, as Ohtani would have to vacate his spot in the lineup when his turn to hit comes up.

The Dodgers' rotation has become healthier in recent weeks, with the additions of pitchers like Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. This depth has given the team confidence that they can afford to experiment with Ohtani's role. As Snell recently stated, "This staff's stacked."

Despite Ohtani's strong performance as a starter, with a 4.61 ERA across 10 outings, the Dodgers may determine that his services would be better utilized in a relief capacity during the playoffs. Only time will tell how this unique situation unfolds as the Dodgers aim to secure a second straight World Series title.