Dave Roberts Says Dodgers Could Utilize Shohei Ohtani in Outfield, But Should They?

Ohtani could be more than just a DH this year.

When the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani last week, it was with the knowledge that Ohtani would not pitch next year. The organization and its fans will have to wait a year before watching Ohtani realize his two-way superstar potential with the Dodgers.

However, there appears to be a chance Ohtani could play defense at some point next season. On the Dan Patrick Show earlier this week, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hinted at Ohtani playing a little outfield,

There was even a little talk with Shohei (Ohtani) about, come September, when he can pick up a baseball and throw, would he be open to taking some balls out there in left field? And he said, 'If it works, and my arm feels okay, I’m open to it.

Dave Robers on the Dan Patrick Show

Earlier this offseason, Ohtani underwent a second major elbow surgery with Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Although it was Ohtani's second major elbow surgery, neither he nor his agent could put a name on the surgery, let alone provide a timetable for Ohtani's probable return to the mound.

Whether or not this was a second Tommy John, the Dodgers aren't expecting Ohtani to pitch in 2024. That doesn't mean he can't provide some defensive help in left field.

Ohtani does have some experience in the outfield. Back in 2021, he appeared a couple times in the Angels' outfield, totaling 8.1 innings, but no balls were hit in his direction. His last regular outfield experience came in 2013 as an 18-year-old playing in NPB, the top league in Japan.

Most left fielders make significantly fewer throws in each game than pitchers. Depending on where the cutoff man is positioned, the Dodgers could limit the intensity and distance of Ohtani's throws back to the infield. 

For now this plan only exists in theory. By the time Ohtani is cleared to make throws from the outfield, the Dodgers' front office will likely have devised a more suitable plan for left field. Putting their $700 million player at a foreign position won't be Plan A. 

Expect to see only Ohtani the hitter in 2024.