Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced Tuesday that Shohei Ohtani will remain in the lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, despite Ohtani’s ongoing struggles and lingering injuries. The decision follows a 2-0 series deficit for the Dodgers, who lost Game 2 with Ohtani going 0-for-4 and striking out twice.
Roberts stated Ohtani is ‘adamant he feels good enough to be in there’ and believes the two-way star is close to finding his swing. Ohtani, who has battled a left knee injury and right biceps tendinitis for three months, has not recorded an extra-base hit or RBI in the postseason. His batting average in the NLCS stands at .150 after going hitless in Game 1 and Game 2.
Ohtani’s stance and team strategy
Ohtani addressed reporters Tuesday through interpreter Will Ireton, acknowledging his lack of production but emphasizing his focus on adjusting his approach. He stated, ‘The results, take full responsibility… I think there’s different approaches to this, whether that be reducing symptoms or ensuring I’m moving well in the swing.’
Roberts drew a parallel to the 2024 NLCS, when Freddie Freeman played through an ankle injury and later won World Series MVP after a mid-series reset. ‘He ends up winning the MVP in the World Series,’ Roberts said, suggesting a similar reset could benefit Ohtani. The Dodgers have already attempted intermittent rest for Ohtani in September, but he has continued to play in all postseason games thus far.
Dodgers’ postseason approach criticized
Critics argue the Dodgers ‘failed Ohtani this summer’ by not prioritizing his health during the regular season, which included a lengthy recovery from elbow surgery. An editorial in the Los Angeles Times suggested the team should have ‘taken Ohtani off the postseason roster’ to preserve his long-term performance, noting the Dodgers’ traditional strategy of resting key players during the regular season to peak in October.
The Times also highlighted Ohtani’s slump, stating his postseason production has been ‘more perilous’ than Freeman’s in 2024, given his extended struggles with injuries. However, Roberts dismissed the idea of benching Ohtani, calling it ‘never a benching’ and framing the decision as part of a broader rest strategy for the team.
Ohtani’s role and future decisions
Ohtani has served as the Dodgers’ designated hitter in the NLCS, with Roberts citing his ‘great conversation’ with the player about his readiness. The manager expressed confidence in Ohtani’s ability to contribute, stating, ‘I feel great about it.’ The Dodgers’ next move—whether to continue resting Ohtani between games or adjust his role—remains unclear as the series shifts to Dodger Stadium for Game 3.