After undergoing three surgeries, Shohei Ohtani’s susceptibility to injury raises the question of transitioning right-handed starters to rescuers.
Moving Otani into the bullpen brightens the mound’s workload and keeps your arms for longer if possible.
But as a two-way player, Otani doesn’t get close to the Los Angeles regularly.
“How do you do that? What if he’s batting at the ninth top and being supposed to come on the pitch at the ninth bottom? Los Angeles Angels insider Geff Fletcher asked Doug McCain of Snation.
More news: push back weekly live BP of shoes hei ohtani
It is impossible to warm up to close the game with a bat on the deck.
Therefore, the cannot manage Otani batting and pitching during the game.
“When you’re a rescuer, your workload is unstable,” Fletcher said. “You’re on the road with extra inning games and warm up closer innings.”
“All of a sudden you take the lead and you want to get closer. How does that work if he’s batting? What happens when the lose two runs in the top of the ninth and Otani hit a three-run homer in the top of the ninth?” Fletcher added.
While it’s unrealistic to make Otani a regular releaser, the most valuable player in the 2024 National League has closed its championship game, the game.
Otani closed the 2023 World Baseball Classic Championship Game to help Japan win the title.
He hit former Angels teammate Mike Trout in the nine innings to secure a 3-2 victory.
Fletcher said this is a unique situation that is unlikely to happen frequently.
“At WBC, he was actually lucky because there was a replay review,” Fletcher said. “He didn’t have to hit. It was a review of the replays, extending that inning another three or four minutes and giving him time to warm up there.”
“Everything was perfectly lined up for him to do that, but it’s not going to happen all the time,” Fletcher added.
The were able to benefit from bringing Otani back to the mound faster, but his service on the plate is invaluable.
More news: What will the ‘ rotation look like after Tony Gonsorin’s injury?
Photo credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Image
Have you joined us? Mismatch Channel still? Be part of the ultimate Snation community and get VIP Nation Access! Don’t miss out on real-time stories, call-in access to the dugout, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, gifts and more!