Dodgers Weigh Complex Options for Shohei Ohtani’s Role in Playoffs

The Center of the Debate

As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for what they hope will be a deep playoff run, one question towers above all others: What role will Shohei Ohtani play? The Japanese superstar has been the talk of Major League Baseball all season long, dazzling fans with his power at the plate while simultaneously raising questions about his ability to contribute as a pitcher following surgery. Now, with October fast approaching, the Dodgers’ front office and coaching staff are grappling with a decision that could shape their entire postseason strategy.

The Ohtani Factor

Shohei Ohtani isn’t just another player; he’s a generational talent whose unique ability to dominate as both a hitter and pitcher makes him unlike anyone else in the league. When the Dodgers signed him to a record-breaking contract, they knew they weren’t just adding a slugger or a starter — they were adding a two-way superstar who could change the course of games.

This season, Ohtani has reminded everyone why he’s the face of modern baseball. At the plate, he’s been a force of nature, delivering clutch home runs, piling up RBIs, and intimidating pitchers with his sheer presence. On the mound, however, his role has been far less clear, as the team has carefully managed his recovery. The playoffs now force the Dodgers to ask: Do they risk putting him back on the mound, or do they lean on his bat alone?

The Medical Reality

Team doctors and outside experts have stressed caution. Ohtani’s previous elbow surgery means that any decision to let him pitch again carries potential long-term consequences. While the competitive instinct in both Ohtani and the Dodgers is strong, the organization must balance the short-term dream of a World Series with the long-term investment in their franchise cornerstone.

Insiders report that the Dodgers have established multiple contingency plans: one where Ohtani hits exclusively as a designated hitter, another where he could potentially serve in a limited bullpen role, and a third, more aggressive option where he might start in short outings. Each option carries benefits — and risks.

The Hitting Argument

There is no debate about Ohtani’s value at the plate. He has been among the league leaders in home runs, on-base percentage, and slugging, cementing himself as the most dangerous bat in the Dodgers’ lineup. Removing him from the designated hitter role or altering his availability in the batting order could weaken an offense that thrives on depth and star power.

For many fans and analysts, the safest option seems clear: keep Ohtani focused on hitting. That way, his health is preserved while his bat continues to terrorize opposing pitchers. In October, when every run matters, Ohtani’s ability to change a game with one swing is arguably as valuable as any ace starter.

The Pitching Temptation

Still, the allure of Ohtani on the mound is undeniable. Imagine a scenario where the Dodgers face a do-or-die playoff game and have the chance to unleash Ohtani as a starter or late-inning weapon. His velocity, command, and poise under pressure are exactly what managers crave in October.

Dave Roberts, the Dodgers’ manager, has been noncommittal in press conferences, emphasizing that the team will “do what’s best for Shohei and what’s best for the Dodgers.” Between the lines, though, many interpret that as leaving the door open for a surprise.

The idea of Ohtani as a high-leverage reliever is particularly intriguing. Instead of asking him to grind through six or seven innings, the Dodgers could deploy him in one or two critical frames — essentially weaponizing him like a secret playoff closer. It’s a strategy that mirrors how teams have used elite starters in relief during past Octobers, but with Ohtani’s unique twist.

Comparisons to Baseball History

Baseball history is filled with examples of managers taking bold risks with their pitchers in the postseason. From Madison Bumgarner’s heroic relief appearance in the 2014 World Series to Chris Sale’s dramatic finale in 2018, the playoffs often inspire unconventional choices. Ohtani, however, represents something entirely new.

No team in modern history has faced the exact question the Dodgers now confront: how to deploy a two-way superstar in a playoff setting. The decision they make could not only impact this year’s championship race but also set a precedent for how future teams handle unique talents.

The Clubhouse View

Inside the Dodgers’ clubhouse, players remain confident in Ohtani’s ability to help, no matter the role. Several teammates have publicly praised his work ethic and commitment, noting that he has continued to train tirelessly even while managing his injury recovery.

“Shohei is a game-changer, period,” one veteran Dodger told reporters. “Whether he’s hitting or pitching, he makes us better. We trust the staff to figure out the details, but we know he’s going to deliver.”

That confidence has rippled across the fan base as well, though with plenty of debate. Social media threads and talk shows buzz daily with speculation: should Ohtani pitch, or is his bat enough?

Front Office Calculations

For the Dodgers’ front office, the calculus is more complicated. Ohtani is not just a star player — he’s the $700 million face of the franchise and the centerpiece of their long-term vision. The financial and branding stakes are enormous.

Allowing him to pitch too soon and risk another injury could jeopardize years of investment, not to mention the team’s credibility with fans and the broader baseball world. At the same time, failing to fully utilize his abilities in the postseason could be seen as leaving potential championships on the table.

President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman has built a reputation on bold but calculated moves. Insiders suggest that he and the Dodgers’ analytics department are weighing every conceivable scenario, from matchups against likely playoff opponents to bullpen usage patterns, before making a final call.

Fan Anticipation

No matter what decision is ultimately made, fans are on edge. Ohtani is not just a player — he’s a cultural icon who draws international attention. Japanese media outlets continue to follow his every move, while Dodgers fans flood stadiums with jerseys, signs, and chants celebrating their star.

The anticipation of how he will be used in October has only heightened the sense that this postseason will be unlike any other. For many, the dream scenario is clear: Ohtani delivering both at the plate and on the mound in the same game, etching his name into postseason history.

The Bigger Picture for MLB

Beyond the Dodgers, the league as a whole is invested in how this plays out. MLB thrives on stars, and Ohtani’s global appeal is unmatched. His performance in October could drive television ratings, merchandise sales, and international interest to new heights.

If the Dodgers take a cautious approach, it could frustrate some fans but ultimately protect the league’s most valuable asset. If they take risks and Ohtani shines, it could produce the kind of legendary moments that live forever in baseball lore.

Potential Playoff Scenarios

Analysts have outlined several likely scenarios for Ohtani’s postseason role:

• DH-Only Role: Ohtani focuses exclusively on hitting, preserving his health while maximizing offensive firepower.

• Pinch-Hit and Specialty Role: He primarily serves as a DH but could be used strategically in pinch-hit or late-inning situations.

• Limited Bullpen Usage: Ohtani appears in select high-leverage situations out of the bullpen, pitching one inning at a time.

• Surprise Start: The boldest option — Ohtani takes the mound for a playoff start, potentially in a short outing with heavy bullpen support.

Each possibility has advocates and critics, and each will shape the Dodgers’ path differently.

Conclusion: A Defining Decision

The Dodgers’ decision on Shohei Ohtani’s playoff role is more than a tactical choice — it’s a moment that could define the franchise’s postseason and baseball history. Balancing caution with ambition, health with glory, and short-term goals with long-term vision has rarely been this complex.

One thing is certain: whether he’s hitting, pitching, or both, Shohei Ohtani will be the most closely watched player of the postseason. And when the lights are brightest, history suggests he’s more than ready to deliver.