Dodgers News: Should Shohei Ohtani pitch in the playoffs? John Smoltz weighs in

As the MLB playoffs loom on the horizon, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves at a crossroads regarding their pitching strategy. A significant topic of debate centers around whether to utilize two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani in crucial postseason situations. With the competition heating up, this discussion reflects broader strategic decisions that could either enhance or hinder their chances for playoff success.

Weighing the Risks and Rewards of Ohtani’s Participation

The Dodgers must carefully consider how to deploy Ohtani in October. According to former MLB pitcher turned analyst John Smoltz, Ohtani should not pitch in the playoffs in 2024.

"Not in this day in age, not any way to put him in that position," Smoltz said. "You're just flirting with the highest adrenaline rush that you could possibly have. If you said to me that he could do this in early September and get his feet wet in that regard, I'd say yes. But absolutely not under these circumstances, with what they're paying him next year.

This caution stems from the risk of jeopardizing Ohtani’s immense value to the franchise, especially with the offseason on the horizon. Balancing immediate needs against long-term franchise health is a delicate task for any manager.

Related: Dodgers News: Longtime MLB Manager Calls Out Dodgers' Injury Woes: 'It's Their Own Fault'

Going Deeper

For those wanting to dive deeper into the discussions surrounding the playoffs, check out these resources:

1. Fox Sports: Why Dodgers Shouldn't Pitch Shohei Ohtani in Playoffs
2. YouTube Discussion on Ohtani's Role
3. TikTok Analysis on Ohtani
4. 1stHeadlines MLB Overview
5. Google Search Insights on Dodgers’ Strategy