The future of Shohei Ohtani

[packs]

I’ve never seen a starting pitcher leave the dug out to start warming up between long innings. I don’t think you can do that.

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by packs

I’ve never seen a starting pitcher leave the dug out to start warming up between long innings. I don’t think you can do that.

That's different since you're talking about someone who's already in the game as a pitcher. If Ohtani was just DHing in a game, I would think he could go warm up. If not, there may need to be another rule change made to allow something like that to happen.

[packs]

Wouldn't a DH be already in the game too, though? I have no idea what the written rule is but I've never seen anyone who was announced in the starting line up enter the bullpen once the game began.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by packs

Wouldn't a DH be already in the game too, though? I have no idea what the written rule is but I've never seen anyone who was announced in the starting line up enter the bullpen once the game began.

It's different for the pitcher. The notion is he shouldn't be allowed to warm up during delays, I presume. Same rationale would not apply to anyone other than a pitcher already in the game.

[packs]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

It's different for the pitcher. The notion is he shouldn't be allowed to warm up during delays, I presume. Same rationale would not apply to anyone other than a pitcher already in the game.

How then would the DH position be represented in the line up or on the field? A DH can't take the field without losing the place in the batting order. So, if Ohtani is the DH and takes the field as the pitcher, who hits for the DH?

Under the normal rule, if a DH replaces the 2nd baseman, for example, the pitcher has to hit in the DH's place. How does that work if the DH becomes the pitcher?

[BobbyStrawberry]

Originally Posted by packs

How then would the DH position be represented in the line up or on the field? A DH can't take the field without losing the place in the batting order. So, if Ohtani is the DH and takes the field as the pitcher, who hits for the DH?

Under the normal rule, if a DH replaces the 2nd baseman, for example, the pitcher has to hit in the DH's place. How does that work if the DH becomes the pitcher?

They will continue to change the rules for Ohtani if they need to.

[mrreality68]

Ohtani just won his 2nd MVP award and 2nd time it was unanimous.

My understanding only player to win it both times unanimous

He will be getting his money and will be interesting to see where he picks

[jayshum]

Not sure how much warming up a position player does before going in to pitch in a blowout, but I don't think they usually go to the bullpen. Most stadiums have indoor batting cages that players can go to before pinch hitting so someone could probably throw in there to warm up.

I'm sure a rule about it could be written if there isn't already one that would allow Ohtani to go warm up in the bullpen even if he was already the DH. I still think the bigger problem is getting him time to warm up without his spot in the order coming up to bat.