Shohei Ohtani Could Pitch Game 7, Play OF as Roberts Says 'Everything Is on the Table'

The Los Angeles Dodgers could utilize Shohei Ohtani in a variety of roles with the team facing elimination in the 2025 World Series.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters that they'll "consider everything" when deploying Ohtani while looking to bounce back from a 3-2 series deficit against the Toronto Blue Jays.

"Everything should be on the table and will be, for sure," Roberts said.

Roberts also revealed that Los Angeles will consider using Ohtani in the outfield, although it would only come in a possible Game 7 (6:15 mark).

Ohtani last pitched in Game 4 of the Fall Classic on Tuesday, allowing six hits and four earned runs in six innings of work despite racking up six strikeouts compared to one walk. The three-time MVP also threw 93 pitches in the 6-2 loss.

While another full start on short rest isn't a possibility, Ohtani could be used to open the game for the first inning or two or be brought in as a bullpen option for the Dodgers.

The issue with using the 31-year-old as a reliever is if he opens the game at designated hitter, Los Angeles would lose its DH spot for the rest of the game and would need to move him to the outfield in order to keep him in the contest.

Ohtani would be able to remain at designated hitter if utilized as a starter, though.

While he only has seven games of outfield experience in his MLB career, he was open to the possibility prior to the Dodgers' current postseason run.

"As a player, if I'm told to go somewhere, I want to be prepared to do so," Ohtani told Japanese reporters on Sept. 16. "That's on the mound and perhaps even in the outfield."

Ohtani has remained a crucial piece of Los Angeles' lineup after earning NLCS MVP honors, slashing .316/.500/.895 with three home runs in the first five games of the World Series.