Dodgers Won't Rule Out Using Shohei Ohtani As A Reliever In The Playoffs

Shohei Ohtani, postseason closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers? It might not be as far-fetched as it sounds.

Ohtani is the overwhelming favorite to win the National League MVP Award as a designated hitter. He's chasing down the first ever 50 home run, 50 steal season in Major League Baseball history. It's easy to forget that as good as he is in the batter's box, he's also, when healthy, one of the best pitchers in baseball too. 

Throughout his first year in Los Angeles, the Dodgers have been adamant that Ohtani will not pitch this season while rehabbing from offseason elbow surgery. But the 30-year-old superstar has been going through his progression, including throwing several bullpens at Dodger Stadium.

Per Dodgers reporter Bill Plaschke, Ohtani's expected to progress to facing hitters in the coming weeks. While that won't allow for him to build back up into being a starting pitcher, there's a possibility that he'd be physically ready to pitch in the playoffs, albeit in short bursts.

Surprisingly, the Dodgers decision-makers aren't ruling it out.

LOS ANGELES - Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after hitting a walk-off grand slam home run, his 40th home run of the season, against the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium on August 23, 2024. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Manager Dave Roberts was asked about the possibility and wouldn't totally rule it out.

"I wouldn’t say no way ... I’m not going to close the door 100 percent," he said.

"If I was scripting a movie or writing a book, it would be a no-brainer that he comes out of rehabilitation and throws the last pitch," Roberts said. "The problem is, in reality, he hasn’t thrown a leverage pitch in over a year. If he were to come out and it does go