The Shohei Ohtani story is turning into one of those “what-if” chapters the Los Angeles Dodgers would rather avoid. Right now, they’re staring at elimination after getting handed a 6-1 loss in Game 5 by the Toronto Blue Jays. Naturally, it means only one thing: Game 6 is do-or-die.

In that light, all eyes are on Ohtani: Will he pitch in Game 6 or just sit tight in the bullpen? For the time being, manager Dave Roberts hasn’t confirmed Ohtani to start Game 6. But the 31-year-old two-way phenom is very likely to appear as a reliever if the Los Angeles team gets desperate.

What have the Dodgers said about Ohtani’s pitching role?

Just in Game 4, Ohtani had his first-ever World Series pitching start. But if you ask Roberts about the chances of Ohtani pitching again, maybe in Game 6 or even a potential Game 7, he won’t hesitate to say that everything’s on the table.

“We’ll kind of talk through whatever is the best,” Roberts mentioned on Thursday. “If we get to that point, we’ll see. But he’s not going to play the outfield tomorrow, I do know that. But if we get to Game 7, we’ll have a good discussion about everything.” The manager shared ahead of Game 5.

“When you’re talking about Game 6, potentially Game 7 of the World Series, all hands on deck. So we’ll see where that goes,” Roberts added. “If he can go, if it makes sense, certainly he would be an option.”

Roberts and the pitching staff are keeping Ohtani’s availability flexible. The 31-year-old might be called upon in the 7th–9th innings, or even extra innings, depending on how Game 6 unfolds.

“There could be games like yesterday’s that go into extra innings and don’t get decided for a while, so I want to stay prepared to pitch at any time,” Shotime himself clarified after Game 4, referring to the marathon 18-inning Game 3.

When did Shohei Ohtani last pitch and how did he perform?

Ohtani’s most recent mound appearance was in Game 4 of the World Series. He allowed four runs over six innings and struck out six, while the Blue Jays got big hits, one of them being Vladdy’s homer. Because he threw a full outing (93 pitches as reported) and the Dodgers have a normal rotation schedule, his rest and recovery might be the reason why the team is reluctant to put him back into a start so soon.

Long story short: Ohtani’s outing was recent, substantial, but far from pristine. This is exactly why it makes the “skip another start” logic fairly strong, even though everything seems on the table. But Ohtani as a reliever?

Could Ohtani come in as a reliever or clutch option late in the game?

“Of course, I’d like to prepare to be available for every game in case I’m needed,” Ohtani said after Game 4. Fast forward to now: Could Shohei Ohtani come in as a reliever late in the game? One-word answer? Yes. That’s the most likely scenario if we’re being real.

Ohtani has not pitched in relief in the MLB postseason before, but the Dodgers are on the verge of elimination now. In such a scenario, Shohei Ohtani’s two-way skills need no introduction. Secondly, the bullpen for the Dodgers has been shaky lately. It has had volatility and hasn’t given the team the reliability they’d like. Considering all these, bringing Ohtani in for an inning or two in case of dire need just makes sense.

The only catch is the MLB rules, though.

If Ohtani enters as a reliever after starting the game as the DH, the Dodgers would lose their designated hitter spot, a strategic penalty. So, now the Dodgers are probably weighing not just his arm but how his appearance affects the rest of the lineup.

Now, it’s almost time to see whether the Dodgers force Game 7 or if Game 6 is IT for them. And right at the center of it will once again be Shohei Ohtani.