Dodgers should deploy Shohei Ohtani in bold new way given Edwin Diaz uncertainty

The Los Angeles Dodgers are planning a careful return to the mound for Shohei Ohtani, as they should. The four-time MVP is too valuable with the bat to risk his health as a pitcher and potentially lose his services on both sides of the ball.

In fact, that caution might continue with the idea being floated that the Dodgers might use him as an opener to further protect him once he's back to pitching.

While that makes sense, one can't help but think that there might be a better way, and it has everything to do with Edwin Diaz. The superstar closer has been anything but in his limited action this season. His mechanics have been an issue, and while he's expected back from his current neck injury this season, how much can Los Angeles truly count on him?

Once again, the Dodgers' bullpen is in flux coming down the stretch and heading into October, and it could pose a key hurdle in the team's quest for a three-peat. So, while the Dodgers want to limit Ohtani's workload on the mound, why not move him to the bullpen if they want to keep him to pitching one inning or so at a time?

Moving Shohei Ohtani to the bullpen could be the Dodgers' best option

Before getting hurt and leaving pitching behind temporarily, Ohtani was on his way to authoring his best season as a starter in his career. He has posted a 1.79 ERA across his 14 starts, with a 2.60 FIP and 3.0 fWAR. He could benefit the team as an opener, but what if Dave Roberts had the option to deploy him in the game's most critical moments? Surely that would hold more value than letting him pitch the first and then turning it over to a bulk pitcher.

Operating in this way would give LA another option should Diaz continue to struggle upon his return, or if his injury turns out to be more severe than anticipated. Ohtani could follow the Roki Sasaki path and close games in October.

Or, if Diaz is healthy and back to his old ways, Ohtani could serve as a fireman of sorts, coming in with the game on the line while Tanner Scott handles the eighth inning and Diaz closes things out.

Part of what makes this possible is the trade for Tarik Skubal. That alleviates the need for Ohtani as a starter and opens up this pathway for creativity. Los Angeles has Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Blake Snell, and will have Tyler Glasnow returning to action alongside Skubal. That's enough for a playoff rotation.

With that kind of setup, the Dodgers can be bold, and there's nothing bolder than being able to call upon the best baseball player in the world whenever you need him. In that way, moving Ohtani to the bullpen will have the greatest possible impact, much more than simply using him as an opener.

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