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1 RBI in 24 games and 110 at-bats.
It is a statistic that would make it difficult to secure a spot in the starting lineup in any baseball league around the world. However, the story is different for Shohei Ohtani (32, LA Dodgers).
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced on the 14th (Korean time) at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, during a pre-game press conference held one day before Game 3 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS, best-of-seven series) of the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) postseason, that “Ohtani will play in NLCS Game 3.”
In the U.S., Ohtani’s potential starting appearance in Game 3 had been the focus of intensive reporting since the previous day. This is because his recent slump has been severe.
Since hitting a two-run home run in his second at-bat against the Colorado Rockies on August 19, Ohtani has managed just 1 RBI in nearly two months. His home run total has also stalled at 30. This contrasts with his achievement of hitting 50 home runs in each of the past two seasons. It is his lowest home run record since 2021.
Ohtani, who had fully resumed playing as a two-way player this season, delivered an incredible performance on the mound with an 8-2 record and a 1.79 ERA. However, he was forced to stop pitching after experiencing pain in his left knee and right biceps in July. Although he continued to play solely as a hitter, issues began to emerge in his batting from mid-August onward.
For the Dodgers, who are aiming for a three-game winning streak, performing well in the postseason was more important, but this fall Ohtani is going through his worst period ever, with 3 hits in 20 at-bats, 3 walks, 0 RBIs, and 2 runs scored in 6 games. His batting average is .150, on-base percentage is .261, and slugging percentage is .150.
In the past as well, Ohtani has faced even more intense defensive attention whenever the postseason arrives. His batting average was below his regular season mark at .230 in 2024 and .265 last year. However, his impact was different. In 2024, his first postseason appearance in MLB, he contributed to the team’s championship with 3 home runs and 10 RBIs in 16 games. Last year, he hit a whopping 8 home runs and recorded 14 RBIs in 17 games. His OPS (on-base plus slugging) reached 1.096.
Consequently, some have even suggested that his physical condition is not normal. Analysis indicates that he is failing to properly handle pitchers’ deliveries and is struggling to track balls outside the strike zone, leading to a string of poor results.
Eventually, the possibility of him being left out of the starting lineup was raised. In an interview with The Athletic the previous day, Manager Roberts said, “It is certain that the situation is not good.” He added, “He says his physical condition is not good. I think we need to talk to Ohtani and figure out what is best for our team.”
Mookie Betts, who has been performing well this fall, also expressed regret over Ohtani’s slump. According to ESPN, Betts said, “He is working hard, and I hope he recovers. We know that he is putting in the effort. Ohtani’s return is really important. We absolutely need him.” Teoscar Hernandez also said, “We desperately need Ohtani’s help. His presence is too precious. Honestly, it is a sad situation.”
Nevertheless, Manager Roberts decided to use Ohtani. He reversed his previous statement, saying, “Ohtani, the 4th All-Star Game MVP, is in condition with no issues regarding playing in the game.”
The Dodgers returned home after suffering a two-game losing streak on the road. In Game 3, they will face left-handed pitcher Robert Gasser. Blake Snell will take the mound for the Dodgers. In a situation where Ohtani’s performance is desperately needed, can the superstar fulfill his role?
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*This content was translated by AI.View Original
