Shohei Ohtani’s current slump is a far cry from his historic performances, creating significant concern for the Dodgers' lineup. His inability to find his rhythm at the plate could force the team to reconsider their offensive structure.
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A Year After His Historic October, Shohei Ohtani Is Nowhere to Be Found
The four-time MVP is off his game in the NLCS, leaving the two-time defending champion Dodgers in an 0–2 hole and searching for answers. Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s prolonged slump is becoming a problem for the team. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect This isn’t how the Dodgers expected to be returning to Los Angeles. The Brewers, a team with a payroll less than half of L.A.'s, have a 2–0 lead after the opening chapter of the National League Championship Series. Despite their collection of high-priced superstars, the Dodgers have been schooled by the scrappy Brewers through 18 innings. No one has embodied Los Angeles’s struggles more than Shohei Ohtani. The four-time MVP and face of the Dodgers’ star-studded roster has been largely invisible through the first two games of the series. A player capable of taking over a postseason game has instead become a symbol of everything going wrong for L.A. In a 7–4 loss on Monday night, Ohtani was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, leaving him 1-for-7 with three strikeouts through the first two games of the NLCS. Through six postseason games, Ohtani has managed just three hits in 20 at-bats, none for extra bases. He’s slashing.150/.261/.150 with seven strikeouts against three walks.
By Ryan PhillipsOctober 13, 2026Sports Illustrated
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