Dodgers Manager Open to Bench Shohei Ohtani Amidst NLCS Struggles
Manager Dave Roberts indicated a conversation about Shohei Ohtani's status for Game 3 is imminent as the Dodgers face an early deficit in the National League Championship Series.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated that the team will "have a conversation" with Shohei Ohtani about his playing status for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. The potential move comes after Ohtani's unproductive performance in Game 2 and throughout the postseason, which has coincided with the Dodgers falling into a 2-0 series hole against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Ohtani, who has been managing ongoing right arm and left knee issues, went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Game 2. In six playoff games, the two-time MVP has struggled, hitting just .150 (3-for-20) with two walks and seven strikeouts. Despite these struggles, the Dodgers had previously expressed hope for a turnaround from their star player.
The team's decision to consider benching Ohtani reflects the urgency of their situation. Returning to Los Angeles down 2-0, the Dodgers are now just two losses away from elimination. Historically, only one team in MLB history has come back from a 3-0 series deficit.
Before Monday's game, Ohtani had managed to reach base in each of his first five playoff games. However, his performance in Game 2 marked a significant step back. Pre-game batting practice sessions, which had shown some promise, did not translate into on-field success.
If Ohtani is removed from the lineup, the Dodgers have several potential replacements for the designated hitter role. Rookie Josue De Paula, who has impressed since being called up from Double-A, is a leading candidate. De Paula has reached base in more than half of his major league plate appearances and has demonstrated an ability to get on base. Other options include Kiké Hernández, a right-handed hitter, or Miguel Rojas, though Rojas is currently nursing a back injury.
The possibility of benching Ohtani, even in his diminished capacity, signifies the critical juncture the Dodgers face in their pursuit of a World Series three-peat. With the series deficit mounting and Ohtani's current performance, the team may need to explore all available options to spark their offense and extend their season.