The Los Angeles Dodgers will insert Shohei Ohtani into their lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, manager Dave Roberts announced Tuesday, despite the Japanese superstar’s ongoing struggles at the plate and lingering injury concerns.
Ohtani, who has been hitting just .150 (3-for-20) across six postseason games with seven strikeouts and no home runs, will bat somewhere between second and sixth in the order. The Dodgers, who have dropped the first two games of the best-of-seven series, are clearly hoping their $70 million designated hitter can provide a spark.
Injury Concerns and Mechanical Woes
Before the NLDS against Atlanta, Ohtani openly discussed his physical limitations, citing right biceps and left knee issues that have left him visibly uncomfortable at the plate. His swing has appeared disjointed, with frequent swings and misses that have raised questions about his readiness for high-stakes October baseball.
“The symptoms have subdued a lot,” Ohtani said through a translator. “The symptoms shouldn’t be the reason why I can’t hit, and even if the injuries happen by accident, I take full responsibility.”
Roberts revealed he had a conversation with Ohtani before Tuesday’s workout at Dodger Stadium, emphasizing that the decision to play wasn’t about benching the star player but rather giving him time to find his rhythm—similar to what the team did with Freddie Freeman earlier in the postseason when Freeman dealt with a sprained ankle and bone bruise.
A History of October Heroics
Just one year ago, Ohtani delivered one of the most memorable performances in recent World Series history, leading the Dodgers to a four-game NLCS sweep of Milwaukee while earning MVP honours. In that series, he went 5-for-14 (.357) with three home runs, four walks, and five strikeouts, posting a staggering 1.643 OPS.
His crowning achievement came in Game 4, where he homered in each of his at-bats and struck out 10 batters as a pitcher. Brewers manager Pat Murphy still recalls that performance vividly.
“You can’t forget that, his capabilities. But you still have to go at him,” Murphy said.
Dodgers Desperately Seeking Offensive Help
With their offence struggling and facing a 2-0 deficit in the series, the Dodgers are grasping for solutions. While Ohtanii is primarily known for his power-hitting prowess, Los Angeles would welcome any offensive contribution at this critical juncture.
“In this big moment, we’re listening to Shohei, and we’re going to support the crap out of him and believe in him, and that’s it,” Roberts said.
Ohtani acknowledged that finding consistent mechanics throughout a long season is an ongoing challenge. “Over the course of this long season, there’s only really a short period of time when my mechanics is completely in sync,” he said. “It’s a constant, ongoing process that’s headed in the right direction.”
Why it Matters
The Dodgers’ decision to continue relying on Ohtani reflects both their desperation and their faith in his proven track record. With their season hanging in the balance and their $70 million designated hitter struggling mightily, Los Angeles is betting that past heroics and Ohtani’s own conviction in his swing adjustments can overcome current form. For baseball fans worldwide, particularly in Canada where hockey dominates but international stars like Ohtani capture attention, this moment represents the universal appeal of sporting redemption stories. The outcome could define not just this series, but potentially Ohtani’s legacy as a clutch performer on baseball’s biggest stages.
