BREAKING: Dodgers manager confirms shocking Shohei Ohtani playoff situation
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is on track to win his third MVP this season, even though he’s only been able to play as a designated hitter. With just three home runs and two stolen bases away from becoming the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-50 season, Ohtani’s performance is making history.
It’s been expected that the Dodgers would need to wait until 2025 to benefit from Ohtani’s pitching, as he’s been recovering from elbow surgery since last September. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently addressed the possibility of Ohtani pitching during the upcoming playoffs, leaving the door slightly open. “You should always leave some margin, a crack in the door for any possibility,” Roberts said, acknowledging that while it would be a “storybook” moment, it’s not something the team is counting on.
In a column for the *Los Angeles Times*, Bill Plaschke argued that Ohtani pitching in the postseason “could happen” and “should happen.” He suggested that by the time the playoffs arrive, Ohtani should be ready to pitch competitively, even if only for a few crucial outs. Plaschke conceded that Ohtani likely won’t be ready to start games but believes he could be in a position to contribute in limited relief roles.
Will we see Shohei Ohtani pitching in the postseason?#Dodgers | @Dodgers
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Roberts, however, remains cautious, noting the risk of injury if Ohtani were to pitch after such a long layoff. Dodgers president Andrew Friedman echoed that sentiment, saying Ohtani pitching in October is “nowhere near” a priority for the team, given their $700 million, 10-year investment in him. While it’s unlikely Ohtani will pitch this postseason, the possibility still lingers, leaving room for a dramatic Hollywood moment.