"Shohei Ohtani's on board" - Manager Dave Roberts hints at postseason pitching possibility for Dodgers star

Behind Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers have shined. They have put themselves in a prime position to capture the National League West with just a few weeks left in the regular season.

Ohtani has been used as the team's designated hitter this year. He is coming off off-season UCL surgery and was not expected to return to the mound until the 2025 season.

However, fans may be lucky enough to see him return to the mound sooner. Manager Dave Roberts joined MLB Network Radio to hint at the possibility of Ohtani pitching in the postseason:

"If things line up, and there's a need, and the game, his body, and everything is telling us it makes sense in that situation, great," Roberts said.

Ohtani is nearly at the 12-month mark in his recovery process. Being the athlete that he is, he has been seen throwing in some capacity off the mound over the last few months:

"Shohei's on board. We'll just continue his rehab process and I wouldn't put it past him to have an eye on that and we'll just see how it plays out" Roberts added.

There are some boxes Ohtani would need to check before returning. He would need to be comfortable with it and medically cleared. If all lines up, fans may get a sneak peek at what is to come next season.

What could Shohei Ohtani's role be as a pitcher in the Dodgers rotation?

Los Angeles Dodgers - Shohei Ohtani (Image Source: IMAGN)

if everything went perfectly and Shohei Ohtani returned to the mound in October, it likely would not be in a big role. For one, there is not a big need to push him back as he is fresh off a 10-year deal.

Ohtani also has not built himself up, especially not enough to go deep into a game. That takes time and this is why pitchers and catchers report to spring training before hitters do.

Ohtani would likely be used lightly, for one or two innings max. These stints would likely come in relief, but there is always a possibility for an opener to start the game.

An opener has become increasingly more popular over the years. The Tampa Bay Rays have become frequent users of the strategy, and the Dodgers could adopt this.

If Ohtani were to return to the mound in the postseason, it would add another layer to his already deep legacy.