Dodgers Weigh Benching Ohtani as NLCS Deficit Deepens

Key points

Ohtani has batted .150 in 24 postseason plate appearances with no extra-base hits and seven strikeouts.

Manager Dave Roberts confirmed he will discuss Ohtani’s status, citing concerns about his health and performance.

Rookie outfielder Josue De Paula is the likely replacement if Ohtani is benched for Game 3.

The Dodgers trail the Brewers 2-0 in the NLCS, a deficit historically overcome only 16.8% of the time.

Ohtani’s contact quality has declined sharply since August, with lower exit velocity and barrel rates.

Background

The Dodgers entered the 2026 postseason as two-time reigning champions seeking a third consecutive World Series title. Ohtani, a four-time MVP, had been a cornerstone of their success but faced injuries in the second half of the regular season, including left knee discomfort and right biceps soreness that kept him out of pitching duties. Earlier in October, the team also managed roster adjustments for infielder Miguel Rojas, who received a cortisone injection for a back injury. The current NLCS struggle follows a disappointing regular season second half and a division series where Ohtani’s lineup position was already adjusted.

How outlets are covering it

CBS Sports emphasizes the statistical decline in Ohtani’s contact quality, noting drops in exit velocity, hard-hit rate, and barrel rate since August 18, suggesting the slump is not merely bad luck. Fox News highlights the dramatic nature of the decision, noting that Ohtani resorted to bunting in Game 2, a stark departure from his usual power-hitting approach. Both outlets agree that the Dodgers are in a desperate situation, but CBS Sports focuses on the data-driven rationale for benching, while Fox News frames it as a shock move driven by the team’s near-total offensive collapse in the first two games.

Why it matters

Benching Shohei Ohtani would be an unprecedented move for a player of his stature, signaling the depth of the Dodgers’ desperation. The decision could impact the team’s morale and public perception, while also testing the readiness of rookie Josue De Paula in a high-pressure environment. For the broader MLB landscape, it underscores the risks of relying on a single superstar in a short series and the importance of depth in playoff rosters.

What to watch

The Dodgers will hold a conversation with Ohtani before Game 3 to determine if he is fit to play. If he is benched, Josue De Paula will likely take his spot in the lineup. The series shifts to Dodger Stadium, where the Dodgers must win four of the next five games to avoid elimination. Ohtani’s health and performance will be closely monitored, with potential implications for his 2027 rookie eligibility and future role with the team.