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Desperate Dodgers mull using Ohtani as relief pitcher / Photo: Harry How - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File
Desperate Dodgers mull using Ohtani as relief pitcher
With the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series repeat bid in the balance, manager Dave Roberts reiterated Thursday that everything is on the table in game six, including using two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani as a relief pitcher.
"We'll see how he comes in (Friday)," Roberts said after the Dodgers trained following their arrival in Toronto for game six on Friday and, if necessary, game seven on Saturday.
The Blue Jays won two straight in Los Angeles to seize a 3-2 lead in Major League Baseball's best-of-seven championship series to reach the brink of their first title since 1993.
"Obviously, when you're facing elimination, then you've got to have those conversations," Roberts said. "So whatever it takes for us to win tomorrow."
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, masterful in a complete-game win in game two, will start on the mound for the Dodgers on Friday.
Ohtani, who started game four and was the losing pitcher in that contest, said he would be willing to come out of the bullpen if the team needed it.
Ohtani has been superb on the mound as a starting pitcher this season after not pitching in 2024 as he recovered from elbow ligament surgery.
The Dodgers have carefully managed his pitching return, spacing his starts and gradually building up the length of his outings.
His key role in the batting lineup could also be a factor.
Under major league rules, if Ohtani starts a game as a pitcher and is replaced on the mound he can continue batting as a designated hitter.
But if he pitches out of the bullpen and is the designated hitter, the Dodgers would lose the designated hitter when he is replaced on the mound.
"I think we would consider everything," Roberts said.
"And it's more of just kind of doing whatever we can to get through (Friday) and then pick up the pieces and then see what's the best way to attack a potential game seven.
"Everything should be on the table and will be, for sure."
Roberts said his players were in "good spirits" despite facing the end of their title repeat bid.
"What better way to win the World Series, in game seven," he said. "The thing that's encouraging for me is I know I gave our players an option to not workout today because of the long series and 18 innings and travel and all that stuff, and not one guy took the option."
(K.Jones--TAG)
