Dodgers Face Postseason Questions Amid Shohei Ohtani's Slump
The Dodgers advanced past the NLDS despite Shohei Ohtani's continued struggles, raising concerns about their World Series aspirations.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have advanced to the National League Championship Series, but questions persist about their ability to win the World Series if Shohei Ohtani does not rebound from his postseason slump. Ohtani, the Dodgers' star acquisition, has struggled offensively through the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves, batting .154 with no home runs.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman expressed confidence that Ohtani will eventually find his form. "At some point, it's going to click for him," Friedman stated after the team's Game 4 series-clinching victory. "And the other team’s going to be in big trouble when that happens."
Despite these assurances, Ohtani's performance in the NLDS was marked by injury concerns, continuing struggles with right arm and left knee issues. In four games, he recorded two hits in 13 at-bats, with two walks and four strikeouts. He was moved down in the batting order, starting Game 4 in the cleanup spot after being placed fifth in Game 3.
Manager Dave Roberts echoed Friedman's optimism, suggesting that Ohtani's misses are improving and his intent at the plate is better. "The misses are better... because they’re to the big part of the field versus hitting a ball on the ground to the right side of the infield," Roberts said. He also pointed to Ohtani's track record and talent as reasons for belief.
However, Roberts also acknowledged the team's ability to win without Ohtani performing at his peak. "It’s just good to know that we can still win a series when he’s not doing what we all know he can do," he commented. This resilience may be crucial as the Dodgers prepare to face the Milwaukee Brewers' pitching staff.
This situation draws parallels to the previous year's NLDS, where Ohtani also struggled against the Phillies before a strong performance in the NLCS. However, last year's struggles occurred when Ohtani was fully healthy and coming off a career-high home run season. This year, Ohtani has not hit a home run since August 18 and had a stint on the injured list in September.
The Dodgers' offensive success in the NLDS was supported by other players, including Max Muncy and Freddie Freeman, who combined for five home runs, and timely hitting from Teoscar Hernández and Kiké Hernández. The team will likely need similar contributions from its supporting cast if Ohtani continues to be a less impactful presence in the lineup.