Shohei Ohtani Willing to Play Outfield Position in Postseason for LA Dodgers Following 9-6 Loss Against Phillies

3-time MLB MVP Shohei Ohtani has expressed that he is ready to play in the outfield position for the LA Dodgers in the postseason if needed.

Shohei Ohtani Willing to Play Outfield Position in Postseason for LA Dodgers Following 9-6 Loss Against Phillies

Shohei Ohtani (Image via X/@sportingnews)

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On Tuesday, Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers suffered another defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies. Following the game, the two-way star expressed that he was willing to play outfield position for the team in the postseason if needed.

The Japanese international made his 13th start as a pitcher from the mound on Tuesday. He would throw five no-hit innings and was dominating the Phillies. However, due to a high pitch count of 68, he was removed from the game by manager Dave Roberts.

The Phillies ended up scoring 5 runs in the 6th inning and took a 5-4 lead. Later in the game, Ohtani hammered his 50th home run of the season and made it a 6-5 game. The Dodgers eventually ended up losing 9-6 after conceding 3 runs in the top of the 9th inning.

After not pitching in the entirety of the 2024 season, Ohtani returned to his 2-way status this season. The Dodgers are still being cautious with him and not going too deep with him on the mound.

Following their 2nd successive loss against the Phillies, Ohtani told the Japanese media that he was discussing about other roles with the team. This includes him acting as a reliever and even as an outfielder.

I’ve been having conversations with different people, and that topic has come up as well. That applies to the mound, and possibly even the outfield. If I end up going as a reliever, there could be situations where I also need to play defense in the outfield.

Shohei Ohtani said as per Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation

Ohtani plays as the designated hitter (DH) of the team. He, though, has played in the outfield in the majors.

During his tenure with the Los Angeles Angels, he would take to the right field when the team would take him off the mound but needed him in the lineup as a hitter. The Ohtani Rule, introduced in 2022 allowed him to remain in the game as the DH even if he was pulled from the game as the pitcher.

As for a relief pitcher, Ohtani has never played this role in the majors. However, he did make a major relief appearance during the final of the World Baseball Classic in 2023. He would enter the bottom of the 9th inning and strike out his then teammate, Mike Trout, to win the WBC for Team Japan.

Dave Roberts comments on Shohei Ohtani’s desire to play in the outfield

Shohei Ohtani has claimed that he will play the outfield position for the Los Angeles Dodgers if the team needs. After his comments, Dave Roberts was asked about the possibility of his taking the glove and going to the outfield. The Dodgers manager gave an interesting answer.

Dave Roberts and Shohei Ohtani
Dave Roberts and Shohei Ohtani (Image via Imago)

Roberts did not fully rule out the possibility of him playing in the outfield position. He, however, hilariously claimed that he (Ohtani) has not caught a single fly ball in the entire year. The 53-year-old also spoke about him being used as a relief pitcher.

He is a great teammate. He wants to help us win the championship. So I’m all about it. I don’t know if it’s going to happen. He hasn’t played the outfield, but I appreciate the fact that he is open to whatever we need. I don’t know how that looks. He hasn’t taken a fly ball all year.

Dave Roberts said in the press conference after the game

This comment from Shohei Ohtani also came after he tied another massive feat in MLB. He became the 6th player and the first since Alex Rodriguez to hit 50 or more home runs in 2 successive seasons. He also ended up finding another 50-50 club.

Last year, he became the first player to hit 50 home runs and have 50 stolen bases. He is now the first player to have 50 home runs and 50 strikeouts in a single season. All of this has once again made him the frontrunner for the National League MVP honor.

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