"Remove Ohtani from the roster" — Even LA's leading media are furious! The 940 billion won superstar faces a humiliating demotion to the No. 6 spot in the batting order... Dodgers also face elimination with just one more loss

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

"The LA Dodgers should have excluded Ohtani from their postseason roster."

A shocking claim has emerged from local U.S. media. As Shohei Ohtani (32), who is expected to lead the Dodgers to a third consecutive World Series title, falls into severe batting slump, voices are now rising that he should not only be moved out of the starting lineup but entirely excluded from the postseason roster.

The U.S. media outlet The LA Times strongly criticized the team's player management and injury handling on the 14th (Korean time), stating, "Hope is not a strategy. The Dodgers should have left Ohtani off their postseason roster."

The criticism points out whether it truly benefits the team to continue deploying Ohtani based solely on vague expectations, given that he is already in a situation where normal batting is difficult. Ohtani's recent performance adds weight to these criticisms.

Ohtani, who has struggled with right biceps and left knee injuries this season, has not hit a single home run since August 18. In particular, according to MLB.com, Ohtani's batting average against fastballs of 95 mph (approximately 153 km/h) or higher since August 19 is just 0.036.

There was no turnaround in the postseason either. From the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Atlanta Braves through Game 2 of the Championship Series (NLCS) against the Milwaukee Brewers, he managed a batting average of 0.150 (3 hits in 20 at-bats) over six games. He recorded no extra-base hits and struck out seven times.

Eventually, the possibility of excluding Ohtani from the starting lineup was discussed within the Dodgers organization. After the loss in NLCS Game 2, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (54) considered giving Ohtani additional rest. It was explained that he could provide a similar opportunity for Ohtani to regroup, much like when he previously gave rest to Freddie Freeman (37).

However, Ohtani himself did not waver in his desire to play and started NLCS Game 3 against Milwaukee as the No. 6 hitter and designated hitter. This was the first time Ohtani had started at No. 6 since he was with the LA Angels in 2020. Naturally, it was also the first time since joining the Dodgers in 2024.

On that day, Ohtani reached base three times with one hit in two at-bats, one walk, and one base on balls, but he did not record an extra-base hit or drive in any runs. The Dodgers lost to Milwaukee 2-6, falling to a 0-3 series deficit and facing elimination.

The situation is also painful for Ohtani personally. He signed a massive contract worth $700 million (approximately 940.8 billion won) over 10 years with the Dodgers in December 2023, one of the largest in North American professional sports history, and contributed to World Series championships in two consecutive seasons since his transfer.

However, this year, injuries have prolonged on the most important autumn stage, preventing him from providing sufficient support to the team. As the gap between expectations for Ohtani and reality widens, the Dodgers will play NLCS Game 4 against Milwaukee on the 16th. It remains to be seen whether Ohtani will return to the starting lineup and what decision Manager Roberts will make.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original