The Los Angeles Dodgers are the defending World Series champions and are looking to go back-to-back. This season, however, has been challenging, and the team has been struggling as of late. Just last week, Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani found himself on the wrong side of history.
“According to Baseball Almanac’s tracker of every triple play in MLB history, it marked just the eighth the Angels have ever turned. As for the Dodgers, they have now fallen victim to 24 triple plays. There had never been a triple play in the 152 games between the Dodgers and Angels since the Freeway Series began in 1997,” SI’s Sam Connon wrote.
Ohtani has had quite the week. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Ohtani agreed he would take a day off following his start against the Rockies.
“Dodgers Dave Roberts said he spoke with Shohei Ohtani and he will get Thursday off. Day game after pitching Wednesday night. Ohtani’s only previous games missed this season were two he skipped on paternity leave in April,” Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett wrote.
That day off may have been necessary regardless, as Ohtani was removed from the game after being hit by a comebacker while pitching.
“When done on the mound, he stayed in the game as L.A.’s designated hitter and walked in the fifth, but the Dodgers pinch hit Alex Call for Ohtani in his following at-bat. There’s currently no word on whether the late removal is due to a potential injury to his leg following the come-backer from Arcia,” SI’s Blake Silverman wrote.
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In a recent interview on The Dan Patrick Show, Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior hinted at a potential bullpen role for Ohtani in October.
“Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior seemed bullish on the idea during his interview on the Dan Patrick Show this week, saying he could “absolutely” see a scenario in which Ohtani pitches out of the bullpen during the postseason – but it would have to be a scenario in which he would be recording the final outs of the game,” Dodgers Way’s Emma Lingan wrote.
The Dodgers are trying every strategy to secure back-to-back World Series titles. Moving Ohtani to the bullpen might be a smart move, especially since he has only pitched into the fifth inning once this season. He’s still working his way back from an arm injury, so a bullpen role could ease his workload. Additionally, it could help stabilize what has been a shaky bullpen all season.
