Dodgers could bench slumping Shohei Ohtani for most important game of the season: report: news

Dodgers Could Bench Slumping Shohei Ohtani for NLCS Game 3 Against Brewers RG.org

The Los Angeles Dodgers are actively weighing whether to bench superstar designated hitter Shohei Ohtani for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Facing a critical 0-2 series deficit, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed plans to speak directly with the slugger and team executives before finalizing the postseason lineup.

Dave Roberts Addresses Ohtani’s Postseason Struggles

Following a 7-4 defeat in Game 2, Dave Roberts acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing the two-way phenom at the plate. Speaking on the situation, Roberts noted that Ohtani “doesn’t feel great” and emphasized the importance of evaluating what setup gives the Dodgers the best chance to recover in the series.

Any formal lineup adjustment or benching decision will involve collaboration between Roberts, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, and the front office.

Inside the Extended Slump and Injury Context

Ohtani’s production has sharply declined throughout the postseason and the final stretch of the regular season:

• Postseason Cold Streak: Hitting just .150 across 24 postseason plate appearances without an extra-base hit.

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• Power Drought: Ohtani has gone without a home run since mid-August, marking one of the longest power shortages of his career.

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• Physical Wear: Late-season stints on the injured list for knee and bicep issues have raised questions about his overall health and swing mechanics.

• Lineup Adjustments: Roberts previously dropped Ohtani to fifth in the batting order during the NLDS before contemplating sitting him entirely.

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Outlook for Game 3

Down two games to none in the best-of-seven NLCS, the Dodgers face a must-win scenario. Whether Roberts keeps the $700 million superstar in the lineup to work through the slump or turns to alternative designated hitter options remains the defining storyline entering Game 3.