The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in a precarious situation as they head into a crucial Game 3 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Milwaukee Brewers, trailing 0-2 in the series. The team is exploring different adjustments to turn their fortunes around, and this may include benching their star player, Shohei Ohtani, a decision that carries significant weight.
Manager's Dilemma
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the team's struggles, stating, "Yeah, I mean obviously it hasn't been good." The underperformance of Ohtani—widely considered one of the best players in baseball—has been troubling for the organization. "He doesn't feel great," Roberts added, indicating that the team needs to have a candid conversation about what is best for both the player and the team moving forward.
The Injury Saga
Injuries have plagued Ohtani throughout the 2023 season. Since July 3, he has not pitched, marking the first time in his career that he has had to step back from the mound due to health issues. Furthermore, he has spent significant time on the injured list, limiting his contributions on both sides of the game. The scrutiny surrounding his recent batting performance has intensified, as fans witness a player who seems to be struggling to find his rhythm.
Struggles at the Plate
In the postseason, Ohtani's at-bats have been labeled as "unrecognizable" by reporters Katie Woo and Ken Rosenthal. He has faced difficulties, especially with fastballs, which has contributed to his alarming slump. In Game 2, Ohtani went 0-for-4, featuring two strikeouts that dropped his postseason batting average to a mere .150. Alarmingly, he has recorded only one RBI since August 19. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, including connecting for a home run the day before, his overall performance has not met the high standards set by his illustrious resume.
The Decision to Bench
Benchings in Major League Baseball can be significant, particularly for a player with the accolades that Ohtani has accumulated, which includes four league MVP awards, four Silver Slugger awards, and six All-Star selections. The reality is that while Ohtani's current form may not be helping the Dodgers at the plate, the prospect of benching him means losing a player who can turn a game around with a single swing.
However, the pressure on Roberts and the coaching staff grows as the series progresses. The uncertainty of Ohtani's ability to break out of his slump poses a dilemma: should they stick with a player who has historically been a game-changer or pivot toward a solution that might provide an immediate spark?
Possible Alternatives
Reports suggest that rookie Josue De Paula could step in for Ohtani should the decision to bench him come to fruition. De Paula made his major league debut in September and has shown promise, albeit limited, in his playoff appearances with two walks in three plate appearances. While it is unlikely that the rookie can match the sheer talent and abilities of a healthy Ohtani, he may bring a fresh perspective and energy to the lineup that the Dodgers desperately need.
Looking Ahead
As the Dodgers gear up for Game 3, the pressure to win grows. The team's management, players, and fans are all aware of the stakes at hand. Whether Ohtani remains in the lineup or not, the Dodgers must find a way to rally from their current position and strike back against the Brewers. This will be not only a test of their skill but also a crucial moment in deciding how the team navigates adversity moving forward.
With the clock ticking in the postseason and the Dodgers in danger of facing elimination, the choice of whether to bench arguably one of the greatest talents in baseball history will certainly be a moment in this playoff run that could define the franchise for years to come.
