Could Dodgers Consider Using Shohei Ohtani As Closer

Edwin Díaz signed a three-year, $69 million deal in the offseason, but he has not pitched well for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Díaz had a procedure to remove loose bodies from his elbow earlier this year and missed a chunk of the season. He has a 12.71 ERA since coming off the injured list, and Thursday night’s blown save was the latest in a line of issues. Dave Roberts noted that Díaz would remain the closer as he does not see a better option at the moment. However, there could be a better option in the near future.

Between Tarik Skubal’s arrival, Blake Snell’s return and Tyler Glasnow’s impending return, the Dodgers have a surplus of quality starters. Those three, plus Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, and Justin Wrobleski, would be a fine rotation to help the Dodgers secure a bye in the postseason. That could open the door for Shohei Ohtani to close games.

Ohtani famously closed out the 2023 World Baseball Classic against the United States, striking out Mike Trout to cap things off. Given that he is dealing with multiple injuries at the moment, the Dodgers may not be opposed to limiting his workload.

Could Dodgers Consider Using Shohei Ohtani

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However, using Ohtani as a closer would be complicated. He would thrive in that role, but if he were used as a reliever, the Dodgers would be forfeiting their designated hitter. It would be a risk to bring Ohtani into a game. If he came in and blew a lead, the Dodgers would have to play him in the field to keep his bat in the lineup.

As much as using Ohtani as a closer could help the Dodgers, it is not very feasible. The same discourse came up last season, but it would only make sense in situations where the Dodgers feel like there is no chance that the game will extend past the inning he pitches.

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