The Los Angeles Dodgers are struggling to achieve Major League Baseball’s first three-peat in 26 years. The Milwaukee Brewers have advanced to a strong position with their victory over the Dodgers in Game 2 of the NLCS, posting a 7-4 win on Monday. They are just two wins away from their first National League pennant since 1982.
Central to the Dodgers’ issues is the performance of Shohei Ohtani, a four-time MVP. Ohtani went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Game 2. Overall, he’s had a rough NLCS, with statistics showing 1-for-7 with one walk and three strikeouts. His playoff numbers stand at 3-for-20, lacking home runs and RBIs, and showing three walks and seven strikeouts.
As the series continues with Game 3 on Wednesday night, the Dodgers are reportedly contemplating benching Ohtani, despite his six-time All-Star status. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented on the situation, acknowledging Ohtani’s poor performance. He hinted at a discussion with Ohtani about what would be best moving forward.
“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,” Roberts stated.
Reports indicate that if Ohtani is benched, rookie Josue De Paula might step in as the team’s designated hitter.
Ohtani has struggled with injuries, having spent two weeks on the injured list in September due to left knee and right biceps issues. ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez noted that the Dodgers would continue to play Ohtani if he feels healthy. However, should he feel compromised by previous injuries, the team would opt to bench him.
“If he feels good enough to play, the plan is to continue playing him,” Gonzalez reported.