Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound has revived the Dodgers’ championship hopes while reigniting a lively debate about his best role on the roster. The two-way phenomenon has looked sharp on the mound, posting a 2.37 ERA, but Los Angeles has approached the arrangement with caution, prioritizing what helps the team win over any single role for the star.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke plainly about the discussion surrounding Ohtani’s future usage. He expressed enthusiasm for the idea of Ohtani closing, noting how appealing it is to see him in high-leverage spots, but he also stressed the club’s need for him to pitch as many innings as possible to maximize their chances of a title. “I love watching Shohei the closer. It was great. I also like Shohei for five innings. So we’ll see. I think Shohei wants to win. He’s made that very clear. Whatever he can do to help us win a championship, he’s willing to do it. Right now we need him to pitch innings,” Roberts said.
The Dodgers could soon boast one of the deepest rotations in baseball if several star pitchers return from injury, a development that intensifies the discussion about how to deploy Ohtani. The idea of using him as a closer has even drawn support from outside the organization, including baseball legend David Ortiz, who has floated the possibility as a way to maximize the bullpen’s effectiveness while leveraging Ohtani’s unique talents.
The closers’ debate isn’t without precedent. Ohtani’s performances under pressure on the international stage have long been cited as evidence of his clutch capabilities, most notably in the high-stakes moments of the World Baseball Classic. The 2023 final highlighted his capacity to perform when the game is on the line, a trait that could influence decisions about his future role in the majors.
Logical reasoning suggests the Dodgers are weighing a plan that balances Ohtani’s health with his impact. A closer role could ease the bullpen’s load and preserve innings for other starters, but it could also curb his opportunities to influence games as a traditional starter. Conversely, keeping him in a starting rotation would maximize innings now but might increase workload risk. The final decision will likely hinge on how fast other rotation pieces return, how the bullpen stabilizes, and how matchup dynamics play out.
Positive takeaway: even as the discussion continues, the Dodgers can rely on Ohtani’s elite talent to drive wins in multiple ways, with Roberts signaling a flexible approach aimed at optimizing performance across the season.
Summary: Ohtani’s return has sparked a strategic debate about whether he should close or remain a starter, with the Dodgers aiming to balance workload, health, and maximum impact as they push toward a championship run.