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13h ago

Dodgers Keep Ohtani in Lineup Despite Postseason Slump

Club leaders say ending his pitching for the postseason and limiting his workload preserves his bat and gives the team its best chance to win.

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An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani adjusts his helmet in front of a crowd at a game, Image 2 shows Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani in the dugout during the National League Division Series
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani advances to third base during Game 4 of a baseball National League Division Series, Image 2 shows Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani swings and misses during a game against the Atlanta Braves, Image 3 shows Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani reacts in pain after taking a swing

Overview

  • Shohei Ohtani produced just two hits in 13 at-bats in the four-game NLDS and finished that series with a .154 batting line, leaving his offense a clear concern as the Dodgers advance to the NLCS.
  • The Dodgers have taken Ohtani off the postseason pitching list because of right-biceps and left-knee soreness, and Tarik Skubal has taken his rotation spot.
  • Manager Dave Roberts and president Andrew Friedman publicly voiced confidence that Ohtani can rebound, with Friedman warning opponents the bat could be dangerous once he breaks out.
  • Analysts and insiders urge cautious lineup use rather than burying him in the order, noting his short hitting ramp-up after the shutdown has compressed the time he needs to regain timing.
  • Los Angeles reached the NLCS largely on strong pitching and depth, a strategy that reduces immediate risk from Ohtani’s slump but leaves the team with a thinner margin for error if he does not recover quickly.