Dodgers Make Shohei Ohtani Decision as NLCS Pressure Mounts Against Brewers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are maintaining their faith in Shohei Ohtani, choosing not to remove their designated hitter from the starting lineup even as their postseason campaign faces intense pressure against the Milwaukee Brewers. Facing an uphill battle in the National League Championship Series after dropping the first two contests, manager Dave Roberts held discussions with the four-time MVP to evaluate his physical status and current offensive form before determining his role for the critical Game 3 showdown.

Dave Roberts Reaffirms Trust in Shohei Ohtani for Game 3

Speculation surrounding Ohtani’s potential absence began following the Los Angeles Dodgers’ loss in Game 2. Facing questions regarding the superstar’s recent run of form, Roberts acknowledged the offensive decline and signaled an upcoming meeting to determine the best path forward for the ballclub.

Yeah, I mean, obviously it hasn’t been good, Roberts said. He doesn’t feel great. I think for me, it’s having a conversation with him tomorrow, kind of try to figure out what’s best for him, what’s best for us. He certainly has earned that conversation and deserves it. … I’ll have [that conversation] with him tomorrow.

Despite the opening left by those comments for a potential benching, Roberts came away from the discussion committed to keeping Ohtani involved. While the designated hitter could see an adjustment in the batting order anywhere between the second and sixth spots, his presence on the field remains viewed as non-negotiable for Los Angeles’ offensive structure.

He was adamant that he can help us, well enough to help us win a baseball game. That’s all I needed to hear, Roberts told reporters. I know we’re better with him in the lineup. Everyone knows that. That’s not a secret.

Slumping Numbers and Injury Concerns Plague the Postseason

Ohtani entered October as one of Major League Baseball’s primary threats at the plate, yet his postseason return has dropped significantly below his previous playoff performances. Through the early stages of this run, Ohtani is batting just .150, a dramatic slide compared to the .265 average and 14 RBIs he accumulated during last season’s playoff stretch. Furthermore, Ohtani has endured an extended power outage, failing to hit a home run since Aug. 18.

Compounding the mechanical struggles are health issues. Ohtani has been working through knee and biceps injuries, presenting the Dodgers’ coaching and training staff with the delicate task of balancing player recovery against must-win playoff scenarios. Despite the dip in baseline statistics, the Dodgers bank on the reality that opposing pitching staffs still cannot afford to pitch carelessly around his profile, an intangible factor that provides protection and opportunities for adjacent hitters.

Teammate Mookie Betts acknowledged the difficulty of witnessing Ohtani’s cold stretch while reinforcing the dugout’s confidence in his preparation.

It’s hard to see, Betts said of Ohtani, via ESPN. He’s working, and hopefully he gets out of it. We know he’s working. Yeah, that’s a big one. We need him for sure.

Why This Matters

The Brewers’ commanding 2-0 series lead puts the defending champion Dodgers in immediate peril of elimination if they cannot generate a spark away from their early-series struggles. Removing Ohtani might have granted the slugger recovery time for his physical ailments, but it would concurrently strip the Los Angeles batting order of one of the most feared home-run threats in baseball during a must-win scenario. Keeping Ohtani active signals to the clubhouse that Los Angeles will rise or fall behind its core stars, with first pitch for Game 3 scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was there discussion about benching Shohei Ohtani?

Shohei Ohtani has experienced an uncharacteristic slump during the postseason, batting .150 while failing to hit a home run since Aug. 18. In addition to the offensive decline, Ohtani has been managing lingering knee and biceps injuries, leading Dave Roberts to evaluate whether time off would benefit the player and team.

Where will Ohtani hit in the Dodgers’ lineup for Game 3?

While manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani will start, he indicated that tactical shifts may occur, stating that Ohtani could be penciled into the lineup anywhere from the second spot down to the sixth spot in the order.

What is the current state of the Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS matchup?

The Milwaukee Brewers hold a 2-0 series lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers heading into Game 3, which is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday.