Dodgers Face Tough Choice on Ohtani Health

Health Check for Ohtani

The Los Angeles Dodgers will evaluate whether Shohei Ohtani needs to sit out Game 3 of the National League Championship Series due to lingering injuries. Manager Dave Roberts plans to talk with Ohtani during a workout in Los Angeles to figure out what is best for him. However, the team will only bench him if he feels compromised by left knee and right bicep issues that previously slowed him down.

Ohtani went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in a 7-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 2 on Monday. That result left the Dodgers in a 2-0 hole in the best-of-seven series. If Ohtani feels good enough to play, the plan is to keep him in the lineup.

Struggles at the Plate

Ohtani has not homered since August 18 and has produced only three hits in 20 postseason at-bats. Teammate Mookie Betts noted that everyone knows how hard Ohtani is working to get out of this slump. Outfielder Teoscar Hernandez added that the team misses his big bat and feels for him during this tough stretch.

The offensive problems go beyond one player. The Dodgers are now 2-for-26 with runners in scoring position in these playoffs. Freddie Freeman pointed out that it is hard to win games when the team only manages three hits, especially with the bullpen shutting them down in the later innings.

Looking Ahead to Game 3

Historical stats show that thirty-six of the past 38 teams that faced a 2-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series were ultimately eliminated. Even so, third baseman Max Muncy expressed full confidence in his teammate. Muncy stated that the team remains right behind Ohtani and believes he will deliver a big hit when the team needs it most.