TORONTO — Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will consider using Shohei Ohtani as an opener or even as an outfielder in Game 7 if Los Angeles forces the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays to the limit.
The two-way star threw 93 pitches in Wednesday’s 6-2 loss in Game 4 and could be available as a reliever this weekend in Toronto.
However, if Ohtani enters as a reliever after starting the game as a designated hitter, the Dodgers will lose their DH. If he enters as a reliever after starting as a DH, he will need to play a position to remain in the game once his mound appearance is over.
Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout for the final out.
Ohtani is batting .250 with 8 homers, 14 RBIs and 14 walks in the postseason for a 1.109 OPS. He is 2-1 on the mound with a 3.50 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 18 innings.
He made seven outfield appearances with the Angels in 2021, the year before a rule was changed allowing starting pitchers to stay in games at DH after being removed from mound appearances.
