Dodgers Face Crucial Decision Amid NLCS Challenge

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ quest for MLB’s historic three-peat faces a major hurdle. The Milwaukee Brewers are edging closer to their first National League pennant since 1982, having secured a 7-4 victory in Game 2 of the NLCS against Los Angeles.

Central to the Dodgers’ difficulties is Shohei Ohtani, a four-time MVP. Ohtani struggled in Game 2, finishing 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. In the NLCS, he’s just 1-for-7 with a solitary walk and three strikeouts and 3-for-20 in the 2026 playoffs, lacking home runs and RBIs, while accumulating seven strikeouts and three walks.

With Wednesday night’s Game 3 looming in the best-of-seven series, the Dodgers are pondering whether to bench the six-time All-Star. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke on Monday, expressing the need to discuss with Ohtani the best approach moving forward. Roberts stated, “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.”

Katie Woo and Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic highlighted that rookie Josue De Paula could be the “top candidate” to replace the 32-year-old Ohtani as the designated hitter if benched.

Ohtani has dealt with multiple injuries throughout the year, including time on the injured list in September due to issues with his left knee and right biceps. ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez reported on Tuesday that Los Angeles plans to continue playing Ohtani if he considers himself fit. The Dodgers would rest him only if Ohtani believes his performance is compromised by the knee and biceps injuries.

The decision on Ohtani’s participation will weigh heavily on the Dodgers as they try to regain their footing in the NLCS.