Dodgers Weigh Ohtani Roles Facing Elimination

The Dodgers are down 3-2 to the Blue Jays and will head to Toronto facing elimination, with Shohei Ohtani’s usage central to any comeback. Manager Dave Roberts said “everything is on the table” and is weighing using Ohtani as a starter, opener, reliever/closer or even in the outfield, and plans to discuss options with the player. MLB two-way/DH rules complicate any plan — for example, if Ohtani relieves after starting as the DH the Dodgers would lose the DH spot, which could force lineup and defensive adjustments. Ohtani threw 93 pitches in Game 4 (six innings), has not pitched in relief in MLB though he has relief experience in Japan and the 2023 World Baseball Classic, and has been taking on-field batting practice. He is hitting .250 this postseason with eight homers and a 1.109 OPS and has a 3.50 ERA in 18 innings; opponents have complained about the roster advantage his two-way status affords, and the Dodgers must first win Game 6 before deciding how to deploy him in a potential Game 7.