Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Dodgers Put Onus on Ohtani to Recalibrate at Plate for NLCS

Dave Roberts says the club is counting on better swing decisions against the left-handed looks he has struggled with.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 09: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers walks to the dugout after striking out during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game four of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 09, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts on a swing during the first inning of Game 3 of their National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani is 2 for 18 with seven strikeouts since Game 1 of the Dodgers’ Wild Card series against the Cincinnati Reds. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Overview

  • Ohtani enters the NLCS in a pronounced funk after going 1-for-18 with nine strikeouts in the NLDS and 2-for-22 since his Wild Card opener.
  • Roberts cautioned that the Dodgers “aren’t going to win the World Series” with Ohtani’s recent output and called for a reset in-zone.
  • Postseason opponents have stacked left-handers, including several with low arm angles; Statcast shows Ohtani fares far worse against those deliveries.
  • The Dodgers see a link to his two-way workload, noting diminished at-bat quality on pitching days and a .147 mark the day after he starts (5-for-34).
  • With no off day between Games 1 and 2 against the Brewers, the team is weighing rotation choices such as Blake Snell in Game 1 to keep Ohtani fresher.