Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Dodgers head into Game 1 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) with a key concern: Shohei Ohtani’s offensive slump. After a painful stretch in the NL Division Series, the two‑time MVP is batting just .154 (2‑for‑13) with a .421 OPS and .154 slugging percentage.
Injury setbacks and recent performance
Ohtani entered the postseason battling right‑biceps and left‑knee injuries that limited him to 139 regular‑season games. He spent time on the injured list in September, marking his first stint on the DL as a Dodger. The star admits he is still not at 100 percent. “I haven’t been able to get a good grasp of the root cause of all this,” he said through a translator. He expects to address the issues in the offseason.
Manager’s assessment and lineup changes
Manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani’s self‑evaluation and competitive drive, noting the player “expects a lot from himself.” Roberts has shuffled Ohtani’s spot in the batting order – dropping him to the fifth position for Game 3 of the NLDS and moving him to cleanup for Game 4 – as tactical responses to opposing pitching. Roberts believes the adjustments are not punishment but strategic moves.
Roberts also highlighted a mechanical concern: Ohtani has been swinging at pitches outside the strike zone. “He can still do a better job of staying in the strike zone,” Roberts said. “It’s hard to have success when you’re out of the zone.” The manager remains steadfast in his trust, asserting that Ohtani’s bat will revive as the Dodgers pursue a third straight World Series title.
Team strengths and pitching depth
While Ohtani’s bat quiets, the Dodgers lean on elite pitching to carry them deep into the postseason. Two‑time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal will start in place of Ohtani, with Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow also on the rotation. The Dodgers’ pitching staff has already proven its mettle, limiting opponents and keeping the team competitive.
The Dodgers entered the NLCS after sweeping the Atlanta Braves in the Division Series, a series in which the team collectively hit just .203. The offensive struggles are not unique to Ohtani; the entire lineup has faced challenges against quality pitching.
Looking ahead
As the NLCS begins against the Milwaukee Brewers – a familiar opponent from last year’s championship – the Dodgers will need Ohtani to find his rhythm. Last season, Ohtani was the NLCS MVP, hitting .357 with three home runs and posting a 1.643 OPS. Fans and the organization hope he can replicate that production.
Roberts summed up the outlook: “Hitting homers, slugging, it’s part of his hallmark in the batter’s box. He’s very in tune with what’s being said, what he hasn’t done.” The Dodgers’ bid for another World Series championship hinges on whether Ohtani can overcome his injuries and regain his elite hitting form.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
