MLB Contenders ‘Upset’ With Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani Going Into Postseason

The Los Angeles Dodgers are going back to the postseason, in hopes of repeating as champions.

Having Shohei Ohtani on the team is already an advantage, but he also provides a unique roster advantage this season. Ohtani returned to pitching this year, providing the Dodgers with a loophole when it comes to the postseason roster.

Each team’s postseason roster consists of 26 players, with a maximum of 13 pitchers. However, Ohtani will be listed as a designated hitter, not counting as a pitcher. The way the rules are constructed, he can start the game as a pitcher and remain as the DH after being pulled. According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, teams are not happy about the advantage the Dodgers have with Ohtani.

“Teams are upset that the Dodgers will have one more pitcher than everyone else on their roster since there’s a special exemption for Shohei Ohtani as a two-way player,” wrote Nightengale.

Ohtani could appear out of the bullpen as well, but then the Dodgers would lose the DH spot in their lineup. Ohtani would have to play in the outfield in that case to stay in the lineup.

The Dodgers have not committed to using Ohtani as a reliever, despite the superstar’s willingness to play in the outfield if needed. Ohtani has pitched throughout his career, but this will be the first time he can pitch in October. Regardless of how he is used, the Dodgers do have one more arm available than the rest of the postseason field.

Ohtani has a 3.29 ERA in 13 starts this year. He may line up to pitch in the National Wild Card Series or the NL Division Series.

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