Shohei Ohtani open to playing outfield in playoffs

In 2021, Shohei Ohtani began pitching and hitting at the same time. Previously, the Angels didn't use him at bat on the days he pitched.

So on the days the Japanese was on the mound, Joe Maddon had no choice but to manage “a Nationals game” by giving up the preferred hitter's position to have his pitcher hit.

Remember: the DH position isn't a right, it's an option. It's just that, normally, everyone takes it every day…

The result? In 2021, when Ohtani wanted to keep hitting after he finished pitching, he had to go finish the game in the outfield. He did so a few times that year.

Then, in 2022, pinch-hitting became universal and MLB created the Shohei Ohtani rule: a DH who pitches can leave the mound as a starting pitcher, but stay in the game as a pinch-hitter.

Since then, Ohtani has never returned to the outfield in the Majors.

However, as he prepares to pitch in the playoffs for the first time in the MLB in the coming weeks, Ohtani has admitted that he is willing to consider stepping out of his comfort zone and playing in the outfield in October for the Dodgers.

He has had discussions on the subject.

Shohei Ohtani said that he'd be willing to play outfield for the Dodgers in the 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..

– Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) September 17, 2025

What you need to know is that Ohtani wouldn't be an outfielder to start a game instead of just playing as a pinch-hitter. That's not the game plan.

In fact, it would be a plan used only if he's used as a reliever.

The “Shohei Ohtani rule” applies only to a starting pitcher. However, a reliever can't leave the mound and set himself up as a pinch-hitter afterwards. That would be illogical.

So if the Dodgers were to use the Japanese reliever, he'd leave the DH's job and Dave Roberts would have to manage a game like in the old days, i.e. without a choice hitter. And then, leaving the mound, Ohtani could tamp down an outfielder to finish the game defensively and not leave the game.

Will that happen? I don't know. After all, it would take a situation where the Dodgers would agree to send Ohtani up in relief and on defense, something he hasn't done on a regular basis in years.

But if the timing is right, it's an option on the table. And since Ohtani wants to win at all costs, he's willing to consider it…. even if, deep down, he can't be comfortable playing in the outfield in the playoffs.

This content was created with the help of AI.