What are you talking about? Ohtani is taking the mound as a PS closer?
Sep 11, 2025
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The U.S. Dodgers Nation reported on the 10th (Korea time) "Dave Roberts said the possibility of using Ohtani as a bullpen in October could be an option."
This means that Ohtani may be used as a closer or a must-win relief pitcher on the postseason stage next month. Last month, Dodgers pitching coach Mark Pryor left room for questions from local media, saying, `It's been discussed.'
Roberts told local media on the 9th that it is difficult to answer that question now. But if we have the best chance to win, we will do everything to do so. Ohtani is also open to all possibilities. But I haven't made that decision yet."
While using Ohtani as a bullpen pitcher in important games, it is also read as a willingness to reinforce the unstable back door. The Dodgers recruited closer Tanner Scott ahead of this season, but despite making eight holds-21 saves, they have been pitching unstable day after day with a 4-point ERA (4.47). It is also not irrelevant that the Dodgers have recently experienced a shocking last-minute reversal.
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At the end of last month, he raised the number of pitches to five innings, and in his most recent appearance, he played three ⅔ and went down the mound. In fact, considering Ohtani's cautious situation due to injury, the appointment of a bullpen can also be a clear alternative.
However, Ohtani is not allowed to play designated hitter and bullpen pitcher at the same time according to regulations. This is why he took the mound as a starting pitcher in a short inning.
If you play as a designated hitter and then take the mound as a bullpen pitcher, you cannot return as a designated hitter. Starting in the 2022 season, the Major League Secretariat introduced 'Otani Rule', making it a rule that designated batters can continue even if the pitching as a pitcher is over if they play as a starting pitcher and designated hitter.
However, there are no special regulations on taking the mound during the game as a bullpen pitcher. It is impossible to maintain at-bats only with the current regulations.
Therefore, Ohtani will take the mound as a bullpen pitcher only in the last 8-9 innings when the at-bat does not return. But it's not easy either. I can't help but think. This is because we don't know what will happen at the end of the game to give up 'Batter Ohtani' to strengthen the bullpen.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
