Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts faces a critical decision in the postseason, trusting Shohei Ohtani despite a rough patch at the plate. The team trails the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0 in the NLCS, placing pressure on their next move as they return to Dodger Stadium for Game 3.
Roberts remains confident in Ohtani, despite his recent struggles and injuries impacting his left knee and right arm. “He’s adamant he feels good enough to be in there,” Roberts shared with reporters about Ohtani’s condition.
Ohtani has been struggling, with his postseason batting average dropping to .150, and no extra-base hits or RBIs recorded thus far. Still, Roberts decided to keep him in the lineup following discussions with team executives Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes. “He was very convicted that he is onto something mechanically,” Roberts said.
Ohtani, speaking through his interpreter, expressed accountability for his performance, stating, “The symptoms shouldn’t be the reason why I can’t hit.” Despite an arm injury affecting his regular season, he is determined to contribute. He last hit a home run on August 18, demonstrating an unusual slump in his otherwise powerful performance.
Roberts has not lost confidence in Ohtani, hoping his decision pays off in a crucial game. Maintaining faith in Ohtani represents Roberts’ belief that the slugger can help ignite the Dodgers’ postseason trajectory.
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