Shohei Ohtani Open to Playing Outfield for Dodgers in Postseason

"I've been having various conversations with different people, and that topic has come up as well. That applies to the mound, and possibly even the outfield. If I end up going as a reliever, then depending on what follows, there could be situations where I also need to play defense in the outfield. So no matter what situation arises, I want to make sure I'm prepared to handle it."

"After the game, Dodgers Nation's Doug McKain reported that Ohtani said to Japanese media that he would be willing to make another position change if it means helping his team win, and that would be potentially playing in the outfield in order to keep his bat in the game if he were to make an appearance in relief."

Shohei Ohtani tossed five hitless innings against the Philadelphia Phillies and later hit his 50th home run of the season while attempting to retake a lead. Ohtani indicated a willingness to change roles to maximize team success, including the possibility of pitching in relief and playing the outfield to keep his bat active. Ohtani previously made 62 outfield appearances in Nippon Professional Baseball and seven outfield appearances with the Angels in 2021. There is ongoing speculation about using Ohtani out of the bullpen in the postseason, heightened by recent bullpen performance concerns.

Read at Dodgers Nation