Dodgers Weigh Benching Ohtani in NLCS Game 3 Amid Offensive Collapse
The Los Angeles Dodgers are considering benching Shohei Ohtani for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series after losing the first two games to the Milwaukee Brewers. Ohtani has struggled significantly with injuries and poor performance, leading manager Dave Roberts to potentially replace him with prospect Josue De Paula.
Key points
- The Dodgers trail the Brewers 2-0 in the NLCS, putting their three-peat hopes in jeopardy.
- Shohei Ohtani has hit just .150 in the postseason with no home runs since August 18.
- Manager Dave Roberts plans to discuss Ohtani's status on Tuesday before deciding on Game 3.
- If Ohtani is benched, 21-year-old Josue De Paula is expected to start as the designated hitter.
- The Brewers' bullpen has retired 15 consecutive batters in Game 2, setting a postseason record.
Background
Ohtani has been dealing with a left knee injury and a right biceps issue since mid-September, which led to his placement on the 15-day injured list. In the NLDS against Atlanta, Roberts moved Ohtani to the fifth spot in the lineup, his lowest position since 2020, citing injury concerns and poor offensive production. The Dodgers also adjusted their roster for the NLCS, adding a pitcher and potentially replacing Hyeseong Kim, while managing the return of Miguel Rojas from a back injury.
How outlets are covering it
MLB Trade Rumors emphasizes the potential benching of Ohtani and the debut of Josue De Paula, highlighting Ohtani's lack of power and the Dodgers' uncertainty about his health. USA Today focuses on the broader offensive collapse of the Dodgers, noting their .067 batting average against the Brewers' bullpen and the team's struggle to adapt to the Brewers' pitching. Both sources agree on Ohtani's poor performance but differ in emphasis, with MLB Trade Rumors focusing on the lineup change and USA Today on the team's overall offensive struggles.
Why it matters
The potential benching of Ohtani signals a significant shift in the Dodgers' strategy and highlights the severity of their offensive struggles. If the Dodgers cannot overcome the Brewers' pitching, they risk ending their season without a third consecutive World Series title, a historic achievement for the franchise.
What to watch
The Dodgers will decide on Ohtani's status for Game 3 on Tuesday. If he is benched, Josue De Paula will likely start as the designated hitter. The series moves to Dodger Stadium for Game 3 on Wednesday, with Blake Snell pitching for the Dodgers and Robert Gasser for the Brewers.
- Dodgers To Consider Benching Ohtani In Game 3 MLB Trade Rumors
- Dodgers to discuss sitting Ohtani for NLCS Game 3 (report) MLB.com
- As Shohei Ohtani struggles, Dodgers will discuss benching superstar in Game 3 The New York Times
- Dodgers insist they're not panicking, but there's concern about Shohei Ohtani USA Today
- Los Angeles Dodgers ‘discuss’ drastic Shohei Ohtani NLCS decision amid severe struggles Yahoo Sports
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