Dodgers Manager Roberts Considering Benching Ohtani in NLCS Game 3
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is considering removing Shohei Ohtani from the starting lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. The decision follows the Dodgers dropping the first two games to the Milwaukee Brewers, leaving the team with an 0-2 series deficit. Roberts told The Athletic that Ohtani does not feel great and that he plans to hold a conversation with the player to determine what is best for both Ohtani and the team. Roberts stated that Ohtani has earned that conversation and that he will have it before the next game.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is considering removing Shohei Ohtani from the starting lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. The decision follows the Dodgers dropping the first two games to the Milwaukee Brewers, leaving the team with an 0-2 series deficit. Roberts told The Athletic that Ohtani does not feel great and that he plans to hold a conversation with the player to determine what is best for both Ohtani and the team. Roberts stated that Ohtani has earned that conversation and that he will have it before the next game.
Ohtani has struggled at the plate during this postseason, hitting .150 in 24 plate appearances without recording any extra-base hits. His performance has been a sharp contrast to his regular season form, where he hit his last home run on Aug. 18. Since Aug. 19, the two-time World Series champion has batted .157 with one run batted in and a strikeout rate of nearly 35 percent. Roberts noted that in Game 3 of the Dodgers' National League Division Series win over the Atlanta Braves, he moved Ohtani to fifth in the batting order, his lowest lineup position since 2020.
Health issues may be contributing to Ohtani's slump. The six-time All-Star missed approximately two weeks on the injured list late in the regular season due to pain in his left knee and right biceps. Observers have noted a change in Ohtani's approach at the plate in October, describing him as a slap hitter rather than taking the large swings he is known for when healthy. In Monday's loss to the Brewers, Ohtani squared around to bunt while leading off the sixth inning.
The Dodgers now face a critical situation with little margin for error as they attempt to overcome their series deficit and advance to their third consecutive World Series. In their two losses in Milwaukee, the team managed only five runs on 10 hits. While benching Ohtani would be a significant move in baseball, Roberts indicated he may feel he has no other option given Ohtani's current physical and mental state.