Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Shohei Ohtani will remain in the starting lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday. Despite a prolonged slump and ongoing discomfort in his left knee and right biceps, Ohtani insisted he is healthy enough to contribute against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Roberts Confirms Ohtani Remains in Dodgers Lineup
Following a 7-4 loss in Game 2 that left the Dodgers trailing 0-2 in the best-of-seven series, speculation regarding Ohtani’s status reached a peak. Roberts initially acknowledged that he would have a conversation with Ohtani to determine the best path forward for both the player and the team. By Tuesday, however, Roberts clarified that he had received the only confirmation he required.
“He was adamant that he can help us. He’s well enough to help us win a baseball game. So that’s all I needed to hear. I’ve never wavered in my belief in him.”
Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers manager
Ohtani, who has been navigating injuries to his left knee and right arm since early July, told reporters through an interpreter that his symptoms have “subdued a lotsince his two-week stint on the injured list last month. While his performance has drawn scrutiny, Ohtani expressed a willingness to adjust his approach. Roberts noted that Ohtani was
convicted” that he is close to recovering from his slump, and the designated hitter will be in the lineup for Wednesday’s night game in Los Angeles.
Statistical Struggles in the Postseason
The decision to keep Ohtani in the lineup comes as the superstar faces one of the most difficult stretches of his career. Through six postseason games and 24 plate appearances, Ohtani has recorded just three hits—all singles—resulting in a .150/.261/.150 slash line. He has yet to record an extra-base hit or an RBI in the playoffs, and his OPS currently sits at .411. These numbers are a stark contrast to his status as a four-time MVP, leading to his recent drop in the batting order to the fourth and fifth spots.
The difficulty has been visible at the plate, where Ohtani has struggled to catch up to high-velocity fastballs. Data indicates that since August 19, he has driven in only one run and is batting under .160 with an OPS below .490. During that same game, he also flailed at a sweeper well out of the zone, losing his bat in the process.
The Potential Alternative: Josue De Paula
Had the Dodgers moved to bench Ohtani, the primary candidate to fill the designated hitter role was rookie Josue De Paula. According to reports, the 21-year-old impressed team leadership with his elite plate discipline during his limited major-league time, earning a spot on both the NLDS and NLCS rosters. As a top prospect ranked within the top 25 overall by outlets including CBS Sports, MLB.com, Baseball Prospectus, and Baseball America, De Paula represents the depth the organization has relied on to keep their championship aspirations alive.
Despite the potential for a fresh bat, the organization chose to maintain faith in Ohtani. The team must now look to Game 3 at Dodger Stadium to avoid falling into a 0-3 deficit. The Dodgers are currently attempting to become the first team since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees to win three consecutive World Series titles.
Ohtani remains focused on the process of correcting his mechanics. The results, take full responsibility,
Ohtani said. “That’s all I can really say, why the results haven’t been where I wanted it to be. But I think there’s different approaches to this, whether that be focusing on reducing the symptoms and getting rid of the pain and/or just making sure that I’m moving well in the swing.”
Teammate Teoscar Hernández acknowledged the team’s reliance on their star, stating that Ohtani is a big, big part of this team.
While the Dodgers have experimented with “small ball” in the first inning of Game 2—utilizing a leadoff walk from Mookie Betts, a productive grounder from Freddie Freeman, and a sacrifice fly from Hernández—the team recognizes that they need their primary power threats to regain their form to overcome the momentum currently held by the Milwaukee Brewers.
