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Shohei Ohtani

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Dodgers Weigh Benching Ohtani After NLCS Collapse
sports1 hour ago

Dodgers Weigh Benching Ohtani After NLCS Collapse

The Los Angeles Dodgers are considering benching Shohei Ohtani in the National League Championship Series after he struggled offensively and dealt with injuries. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed a conversation with the star player to determine if he is fit to continue. Ohtani has hit .150 in the postseason, with no home runs since August 19. If benched, rookie Josue De Paula would likely replace him in the lineup.

Dodgers' Three-Peat Collapses as Ohtani's Slump Meets Brewers' Bullpen
sports2 hours ago

Dodgers' Three-Peat Collapses as Ohtani's Slump Meets Brewers' Bullpen

The Los Angeles Dodgers trail the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0 in the National League Championship Series after losing Game 2, 7-4, at American Family Field. Shohei Ohtani, who dominated the 2025 postseason, has been ineffective, batting 1-for-7 with three strikeouts in the first two games. The Dodgers' offense has failed to capitalize on Brewers errors, while Milwaukee's bullpen threw a postseason-record five perfect innings in Game 2. Los Angeles must win four of the next five games to avoid elimination, with Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow starting the upcoming home games.

Dodgers Face 2-0 NLCS Deficit as Ohtani Slump Sparks Bench Debate
sports11 hours ago

Dodgers Face 2-0 NLCS Deficit as Ohtani Slump Sparks Bench Debate

The Los Angeles Dodgers trail the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0 in the National League Championship Series after losing Game 2, 7-4, at American Family Field. Manager Dave Roberts is considering benching Shohei Ohtani for Game 3 due to his poor performance and lingering health issues. The Dodgers' lineup has struggled significantly against Milwaukee's bullpen, which threw a postseason-record five perfect innings in Game 2. The series shifts to Dodger Stadium, where Los Angeles must overcome a historic deficit to avoid elimination.

Dodgers Hope Rojas Returns for NLCS After Cortisone Injection
sports2 days ago

Dodgers Hope Rojas Returns for NLCS After Cortisone Injection

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated that infielder Miguel Rojas is expected to be on the National League Championship Series roster after receiving a cortisone injection for a back injury sustained during the Division Series. Roberts noted that Rojas participated in batting practice and ground ball drills on Friday, showing progress, though the team must confirm his health by Sunday morning to avoid losing him for the World Series. The Dodgers are adjusting their roster for the best-of-seven series, adding a pitcher and potentially replacing Hyeseong Kim, while deciding on Shohei Ohtani's lineup position.

Dodgers Drop Ohtani to Fifth Spot Against Sale in NLDS Game 3
sports6 days ago

Dodgers Drop Ohtani to Fifth Spot Against Sale in NLDS Game 3

The Los Angeles Dodgers moved Shohei Ohtani to the fifth spot in the batting order for Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, his lowest position since 2020. Manager Dave Roberts cited Ohtani's recent offensive slump and injury concerns as reasons for the change. The lineup also features Miguel Rojas at second base and Kiké Hernández at third to counter left-handed pitcher Chris Sale.

Dodgers Demote Ohtani to Fifth Spot in NLDS Game 3 Amid Injury Concerns
sports6 days ago

Dodgers Demote Ohtani to Fifth Spot in NLDS Game 3 Amid Injury Concerns

The Los Angeles Dodgers moved Shohei Ohtani to the fifth spot in the batting order for Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves. This was the lowest position Ohtani has occupied since 2020, reflecting his struggles with knee and arm injuries and poor offensive production. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the change was specific to the matchup against left-handed ace Chris Sale, while Ohtani has not pitched since July due to health issues.

Dodgers Three-Peat Looms as MLB Owners Face Labor Reality Check
sports10 days ago

Dodgers Three-Peat Looms as MLB Owners Face Labor Reality Check

The Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to attempt a historic three-peat in the 2026 World Series, a feat that could intensify calls for MLB salary caps. However, analysis suggests that fan resentment toward the Dodgers’ dominance is unlikely to force the MLB Players Association to concede on labor issues, as public opinion currently favors players over owners in disputes.

Dodgers Chase Historic Three-Peat Amid Aging Core and CBA Uncertainty
sports11 days ago

Dodgers Chase Historic Three-Peat Amid Aging Core and CBA Uncertainty

The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2026 postseason as the favorites to become the first National League team to win three consecutive World Series titles. Having won 100 games and the division title, the club faces a best-of-five series against the Atlanta Braves. While the team boasts a historic core, key veterans are aging, and injuries to stars like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman have raised questions about their readiness. The pursuit of a third ring is complicated by the expiring collective bargaining agreement and a federal investigation into owner Mark Walter, yet the players emphasize a strong clubhouse culture and a desire to maximize their remaining window for success.

Dodgers Reinstate Ohtani as Friedman Acknowledges Injury Management Flaws
sports18 days ago

Dodgers Reinstate Ohtani as Friedman Acknowledges Injury Management Flaws

The Los Angeles Dodgers have reinstated star Shohei Ohtani from the injured list, aiming to restore his rhythm before the postseason. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman acknowledged that Ohtani may not be fully healthy but emphasized the player's dedication. Ohtani returned with a hit in a 5-1 loss to the San Diego Padres, while the team optioned rookie Josue De Paula to Triple-A.

Dodgers Reactivate Ohtani, Option De Paula Ahead of Playoffs
sports19 days ago

Dodgers Reactivate Ohtani, Option De Paula Ahead of Playoffs

The Los Angeles Dodgers have reinstated Shohei Ohtani from the injured list and optioned top prospect Josue De Paula to Triple-A. Ohtani, who has been limited to hitting due to knee and biceps injuries, will serve as the designated hitter for the final five regular-season games to regain rhythm. De Paula, who posted a .500 on-base percentage in his brief major league stint, remains a candidate for the postseason roster despite the move. The Dodgers are currently five games ahead of Atlanta in the NL West, securing a likely first-round bye.

Dodgers clinch NL West but face injury-riddled path to three-peat
sports25 days ago

Dodgers clinch NL West but face injury-riddled path to three-peat

The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched their 13th National League West title in 14 years on September 17, 2026, securing a 14th consecutive playoff berth. Despite this achievement, the team faces significant concerns regarding player health and performance consistency as they prepare for the postseason. Key stars like Shohei Ohtani and Blake Snell are dealing with injuries, while the lineup has shown volatility. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the team has not yet played its best baseball, emphasizing the need for health and focus to pursue a historic three-peat.

Dodgers Secure 13th NL West Title Amidst Roster Struggles and 3-Peat Pressure
sports25 days ago

Dodgers Secure 13th NL West Title Amidst Roster Struggles and 3-Peat Pressure

The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched their 13th National League West title in 14 seasons with an 8-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday. Despite a rough regular season marked by a late-August slump and injuries to key players like Blake Snell and Shohei Ohtani, the team secured the division crown. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized that the title is a milestone, not the final goal, as the club aims to become the first NL team to win three consecutive World Series titles. The Dodgers, who have an estimated $520.8 million payroll, are currently 93-60 and face challenges in securing the top seed in the National League.

Ohtani’s 2026 Collapse: From Injury-Plagued Season to Playoff Struggles
sports27 days ago

Ohtani’s 2026 Collapse: From Injury-Plagued Season to Playoff Struggles

Shohei Ohtani’s 2026 season ended in a deep slump, with the Dodgers ultimately ruling out pitching for the year. After months of knee and biceps issues, he returned to bat in September but struggled significantly, hitting .150 in the postseason. Sports Illustrated argues he should abandon pitching permanently, while the Dodgers prioritize protecting his health over immediate performance.

Ohtani resumes hitting progression as Dodgers face playoff uncertainty
sports28 days ago

Ohtani resumes hitting progression as Dodgers face playoff uncertainty

Shohei Ohtani began a new phase of injury recovery on September 14, 2026, by swinging a bat off a tee in Los Angeles. This marks his first hitting activity since being placed on the injured list for right arm and left knee issues. While the Dodgers are optimistic about his return for the final regular-season games, his postseason performance has been severely impacted by lingering pain and a significant drop in offensive production.

Ohtani’s Injury Clouds Dodgers’ 2026 Playoff Outlook
sports1 month ago

Ohtani’s Injury Clouds Dodgers’ 2026 Playoff Outlook

Ohtani was placed on the injured list amid ongoing biceps and knee issues, has not pitched since July 3, and is just 6-for-52 since late August, fueling speculation that he could miss the 2026 playoffs or even the season. The Dodgers’ handling of his return is debated, with some observers suggesting the team may be playing down his status while others expect a possible October comeback. The piece highlights concerns about the team’s injury management as they chase a postseason run.