Ohtani willing to play outfield in playoffs if used as reliever

Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is willing to do anything it takes to help the Los Angeles Dodgers win back-to-back World Series, including playing in the outfield if he needs to pitch out of the bullpen.

"I've been having various conversations with different people, and that topic has come up as well," Ohtani told reporters postgame Tuesday following a 9-6 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation.

"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."

Ohtani has appeared in seven games in the outfield, totalling 8 1/3 innings, over his eight-year career. However, the NL MVP favorite hasn't played right or left field since 2021, when he was with the Los Angeles Angels. He's also never pitched as a reliever in the majors.

"He's a great teammate," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, according to SportsNet LA. "He wants to help us win a championship. So, I'm all about it. I don't know if it's going to happen. He hasn't played the outfield. But I appreciate the fact that he's open to whatever we need. I don't know how that looks, though. He hasn't taken a fly ball all year."

To keep Ohtani's bat in the lineup if he pitches in relief, the Dodgers would have to use the 31-year-old in the outfield after he starts the game as a designated hitter. He can currently begin a contest as a pitcher and still DH after he finishes pitching because of the "Shohei Ohtani rule" established in the 2022 collective bargaining agreement.

Ohtani logged five hitless innings and recorded his 50th homer of the season during Tuesday's defeat. He became the first player in MLB history to collect 50 strikeouts and 50 long balls in the same season.