Shohei Ohtani or Tyler Glasnow in Dodgers playoff rotation?

Simply showing that he can pitch won’t suffice.If Shohei Ohtani wants to be a two-way player for the Dodgers in the playoffs, he will have to show something over the remainder of the regular season.Or at least show enough to justify moving Tyler Glasnow to the bullpen.Glasnow is the current benchmark for the fourth and final place in the postseason rotation.Ohtani has to clear it.Doing so will require Ohtani to do more than pitch well.He will also have to remain healthy and convince the Dodgers that his work on the mound won’t negatively affect him in the batter’s box. The additional value that Ohtani provides by playing both ways will have to be greater than whatever would be lost by forcing Glasnow out of his customary role.That’s certainly within Ohtani’s capabilities – but not automatic.Ohtani is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday or Thursday in Atlanta, which opens the possibility for him to pitch on Sunday in the Dodgers’ series finale against the Tigers in Detroit.Ohtani hasn’t pitched since July 3 because of problems with his left knee, and whether he returns on Sunday or some time after, he is expected to be on the mound for only one inning.

But Dave Roberts said the process of stretching out Ohtani won’t be as deliberate as it was last year and that he could “in theory” be a full-fledged starter by the start of the postseason.Now that he’s almost two months removed from his last start, what will this look like? California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story Whether it was because of his knee, the absence of regular catcher Will Smith, or a combination of the two, Ohtani was pitching well below his usual standards when he was shut down.

In his last four starts leading up to his removal from the rotation, he post...