The Los Angeles Dodgers will refrain from using Shohei Ohtani as a relief pitcher moving forward, with manager Dave Roberts saying he will start his right-hander in Game 5 of the National League Division Series, if necessary.

Speculation has been rampant that Ohtani could be used in relief during the playoffs with the Dodgers’ bullpen struggling during the second half of the season. Roberts did not completely rule out the possibility when asked during the wild-card round.

Ohtani has been used exclusively as a starter since returning to the mound in June from Tommy John revision surgery. He did not pitch in any capacity during the 2024 season.

Ohtani started Game 1 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies and gave up three runs over six innings with nine strikeouts as the Dodgers rallied for the victory. It was his first career playoff appearance on the mound.

The Dodgers ended up getting 26 of the game’s 27 outs from starting pitchers after right-handers Tyler Glasnow and Roki Sasaki also were called to the mound against the Phillies in the series opener. Game 2 is Monday in Philadelphia before the series shifts to Los Angeles.

Ohtani, 31, was 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA in 14 starts this past season for the Dodgers. Over six seasons as a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels and Dodgers, he is 39-20 with a 3.00 ERA in 100 starts.

A three-time MVP, Ohtani hit 55 home runs as Los Angeles’ primary designated hitter in 2025 to become the first pitcher in major league history to deliver at least 50 home runs at the plate while striking out at least 50 from the mound. He finished the regular season with 62 strikeouts.

–Field Level Media