The Game 7 Strategy: Dave Roberts Considered Ohtani as Opener or Outfielder

The Ultimate High-Stakes Gamble: Ohtani’s Potential Dual Role in Game 7

In a scenario that underscored the unique, game-changing talent of Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed he was prepared to deploy the superstar in two highly unconventional roles for a potential winner-take-all Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. The strategic consideration involved using Ohtani either as an opener—pitching the critical first inning—or even as an outfielder, a position he had not played regularly in years.

This radical planning highlighted the immense pressure and the ‘win-at-all-costs’ mentality that defines a World Series finale, leveraging Ohtani’s two-way ability to maximize every possible advantage.

The Rationale Behind the Radical Move

For the majority of the season, Ohtani operated primarily as a designated hitter (DH) while recovering from a significant elbow injury, likely UCL surgery, which limited his pitching to specific, controlled appearances. However, the desperation of a Game 7 allowed Roberts to explore possibilities that would be unthinkable during the regular season.

Roberts confirmed that he would “consider anything” to secure the championship, a statement that encapsulated the extraordinary nature of the proposed deployment. The goal was simple: utilize Ohtani’s elite skills—both on the mound and in the batter’s box—in the highest-leverage moments possible.

Strategic Options for Ohtani in Game 7

1. Ohtani as the Opener

The most discussed option was deploying Ohtani as an opener. This modern baseball strategy involves using an elite pitcher for a short, high-intensity stint—typically the first inning—to neutralize the opponent’s strongest hitters at the top of the lineup before handing the game over to a bulk reliever.

If Ohtani were used in this capacity, he would likely face the top three hitters of the Blue Jays’ order. This strategy offers several distinct advantages:

• Immediate Impact: Ohtani’s velocity and devastating repertoire could shut down the opposing team’s momentum immediately.
• Controlled Environment: Limiting him to one inning minimizes the risk of re-injury while maximizing his effectiveness.
• Psychological Edge: Starting the game with a two-time MVP on the mound sends a powerful message to the opposition.

Roberts emphasized that this role was contingent on Ohtani feeling physically ready, but the concept was firmly on the table for the decisive game.

2. Ohtani in the Outfield

Perhaps the most surprising consideration was using Ohtani in the outfield. Since his arrival in Major League Baseball, Ohtani has almost exclusively served as a DH when not pitching, particularly following major arm surgeries. Playing the field would have been a significant risk, but it offered a crucial lineup flexibility.

Why play Ohtani in the outfield?

By placing Ohtani in left or right field, the Dodgers could free up the Designated Hitter (DH) spot. This would allow Roberts to insert another powerful bat into the lineup—such as a player who might struggle defensively but excels offensively—effectively giving the Dodgers nine strong hitters instead of eight position players and a DH.

This move, while risky defensively (Ohtani had not played the outfield in years and the risk of injury while running or diving was present), demonstrated the lengths Roberts was willing to go to optimize the offensive output in a must-win situation.

The Precedent of the Two-Way Star

Ohtani’s unique status as a generational two-way player forces managers to constantly rethink conventional baseball strategy. While the concept of a star player moving from DH to the field is rare, the context of the World Series provides historical justification for such radical thinking.

In the modern era, the DH role is sacrosanct for players recovering from pitching injuries. However, Ohtani’s athleticism means that even a limited defensive role is plausible, provided the stakes are high enough.

“When you’re talking about Game 7, you throw the book out the window,” Roberts stated, confirming the extraordinary nature of the planning session. “We have to use every resource available, and that includes finding creative ways to maximize Shohei’s impact beyond just his plate appearances.”

This strategic flexibility is a direct result of Ohtani’s ability to perform at an elite level in multiple facets of the game, even when constrained by injury recovery protocols.

The World Series Context: Pressure and Innovation

The consideration of Ohtani in these roles underscores the evolution of playoff baseball. The “opener” strategy, popularized in recent years, is designed to combat specialized matchups and maximize the effectiveness of relief pitching. Using a player of Ohtani’s caliber in this role elevates the strategy to an unprecedented level.

Furthermore, the potential use of Ohtani in the field represents a willingness to sacrifice minor defensive certainty for major offensive upside. In a tight Game 7, one extra run generated by freeing up the DH spot could be the difference between a championship and a loss.

This scenario serves as a powerful reminder that in the highest-stakes moments of professional sports, innovation and calculated risk often supersede traditional adherence to roles and routines.

Key Takeaways

• Unconventional Strategy: Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was prepared to use Shohei Ohtani in non-traditional roles for a potential Game 7 of the World Series.
• Opener Role: Ohtani was considered for the role of an opener, pitching the first inning to neutralize the top of the opponent’s lineup, despite his recent injury history.
• Outfield Consideration: The possibility of Ohtani playing the outfield was discussed to free up the Designated Hitter spot, allowing the team to insert another strong offensive player.
• High-Stakes Justification: These radical moves were justified by the ‘win-at-all-costs’ environment of a World Series Game 7.
• Injury Management: Any pitching or fielding appearance would have been carefully managed due to Ohtani’s recovery from UCL surgery.

What’s Next

While the specific outcome of that potential Game 7 is now history, the strategic discussion surrounding Ohtani’s deployment remains a landmark moment in baseball management. It establishes a precedent that future managers facing similar high-stakes scenarios with two-way players will undoubtedly reference. The willingness of the Dodgers organization to push the boundaries of conventional strategy highlights the enduring impact of Ohtani’s unique skill set on the game of baseball.