The Los Angeles Dodgers are tied with the Toronto Blue Jays 2-2 after losing 6-2 in Game 4 of the World Series. Despite starting in Game 4, the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani could pitch out of the bullpen for the rest of the series. USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale alluded to the possibility of an Ohtani relief appearance when speaking to manager Dave Roberts.
“Dave Roberts confirms that Shohei Ohtani would be available for relief in Game 6 or Game 7,” Nightengale wrote on X.
This would be something historic, as Ohtani has never pitched out of the bullpen in the majors. However, he does have some experience, having been the closer for Team Japan in the final game of the World Baseball Classic against the USA.
Ohtani has produced mixed results as a pitcher in the playoffs. In his first game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Ohtani led the Dodgers to victory, going six innings while allowing three earned runs, three hits, and striking out nine. Then, Ohtani dominated the Brewers, tossing six shutout innings while striking out 10. But he struggled in Game 4 of the World Series, allowing four earned runs in six-plus innings, including a two-run home run to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that switched the momentum around.
Ohtani has vowed to rebound from his poor performance, but he will only get that chance out of the bullpen. With Blake Snell set to take the mound in Game 5, Yoshinobu Yamamoto will likely take the mound in Game 6, which leaves Tyler Glasnow in a possible Game 7.
If the Dodgers are in a scenario to close out either Game 6 or 7, Roberts could utilize Ohtani out of the bullpen. Because the Dodgers don't have an established closer, it is the most practical situation for Ohtani to come out of the bullpen.
Ohtani will focus on hitting the baseball in Game 5, while attempting to help the Dodgers regain the lead in the World Series. When the series shifts to Toronto, there could be a situation where Roberts calls on Ohtani, and he will have his chance at redemption.
