The Dodgers considering benching Shohei Ohtani for a must-win game is a shocking development that highlights a serious regression in his recent production. His lack of impact at the plate is becoming a significant liability for the team's postseason hopes.
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Dodgers Considering Benching Shohei Ohtani in Massive Development
Thus, when the Los Angeles Dodgers take the field for what is essentially a must-win game on Wednesday, their best player may not be in the lineup. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo, the Dodgers are contemplating potentially benching Ohtani in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. “Yeah, I mean obviously it hasn’t been good,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said to The Athletic after Monday's Game 2 loss. “He doesn’t feel great. I think for me, it’s having a conversation with him tomorrow, kind of try to figure out what’s best for him, what’s best for us. He certainly has earned that conversation and deserves it. Ohtani is just 3-for-20 through six postseason games. All three hits have been singles and he's struck out seven times. His last home run came on Aug. 18 against the Colorado Rockies. Since then, he's 14-for-90 (.156) with three extra-base hits, 36 strikeouts and an OPS of.483. Shohei Ohtani is 3-for-19 (.158) thus far in the postseason with three singles and seven strikeouts. Since August 19 (24 games) he's hitting.157 with 0 home runs and 1 run batted in. He's struck out 36 times. [pic.twitter.com/GencXw4k5s According to Rosenthal and Woo: "Benching Ohtani requires far more than a conversation between player and manager, and the Dodgers have made no formal decision. Any decision about Ohtani’s playing time will also include president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, among others." However, the fact that it's even gotten to this point is a clear sign of how bad it's been for Ohtani.
By Noah CamrasOctober 13, 2026Sports Illustrated
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Curry's 31-point performance highlights Warriors' stunning 25-point comeback
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