Los Angeles Dodgers head coach Roberts said. Shohei Ohtani will start the playoffs as a starter, while not ruling out the possibility of a back-up at the plate. Roberts said, "If we start Ohtani, we'll need 3-5 days of rest, so it's not likely that he'll be in the bullpen. He also has the right mentality for a shutdown role, with the mental strength to take down opponents and not be afraid when it counts." But Roberts also said that for Ohtani to serve as a keeper, the Dodgers' head coach, head trainer, Ohtani himself, trainers, doctors, agents and everyone else would have to agree.