Dave Roberts has confirmed that Shohei Ohtani will participate in Game 3 against the Braves in Atlanta. Despite the superstar's recent struggles, the series remains deadlocked at one win apiece.
Ohtani’s 2-for-8 NLDS start and the impact of lingering injuries
Shohei Ohtani is currently struggling to find his rhythm in the postseason, recording just two hits in eight at-bats since the National League Division Series began. As the source reports, these struggles appear to be compounded by physical limitations, specifically involving his right arm and left knee. This lack of power is a stark departure from his regular-season dominance, as he has not hit a home run since mid-August.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are attempting to navigate this slump while managing the health of their core players. While Ohtani has been able to produce occasional contact, such as his single in the fifth inning of Sunday's game, he has lacked the explosive ability that typically defines his presence at the plate. Dave Roberts noted that the star player is not at 100 percent, suggesting that the physical toll of the season may be affecting his plate discipline.
The 3-for-15 career disadvantage against Chris Sale
The Dodgers face an even steeper climb on Tuesday as the Atlanta Braves prepare to start their ace, Chris Sale. Historical data suggests a significant hurdle for the Dodgers' offense, as Shohei Ohtani holds a career 3-for-15 batting average against Sale. This matchup is expected to be a tactical chess match, with the Braves' pitching staff already testing Ohtani with high-velocity fastballs in the middle of the strike zone.
According to the report, Roberts is considering a shift in strategy to mitigate the difficulty of facing Sale. Rather than encouraging Ohtani to swing for the fences, the Dodgers' management may prioritize contact and opposite-field hitting. This approach follows Ohtani's recent success in slapping a ball to the other field, a tactic that may be necessary to counter Sale's dominane in Truist Park.
Potential swaps involving Miguel Rojas and Kike Hernandez
To bolster the lineup against left-handed pitching, Dave Roberts is weighing several roster adjustments.. One proposed strategy involves inserting Miguel Rojas or Kike Hernandez into the starting nine to provide more right-handed depth. This move could come at the expense of Max Muncy or Tommy Edman, as the Dodgers look to optimize their matchups against the Braves' rotation.
The Dodgers' offensive woes extend beyond Ohtani,with several key contributors also struggling to find their footing.. The source notes that Will Smith is currently 0-for-8 and Andy Pages is 0-for-7 in the playoffs. While Roberts has expressed a desire to give 25-year-old Pages more leash, the pressure to produce in a best-of-five series may force the manager's hand regarding these lineup configurations.
Can the Dodgers overcome their zero-hit slump with runners in scoring position?
A major unanswered question for the Los Angeles Dodgers is whether they can resolve their inability to drive in runs. The team has struggled significantly in high-leverage situations, failing to record a single hit with runners in scoring position during their recent outings. While the Dodgers maintain a strong regular-season profile in these categories, that efficiency has yet to translate to the October atmosphere.
It also remains unclear if Ohtani's struggles are purely a byproduct of his right arm and left knee injuries, or if his mental approach—described by Roberts as "trying to do too much"—is a separate issue. Until the Dodgers find a way to score without relying solely on the home run, their ability to secure a championship remains in doubt.
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