Los Angeles faces a 2-0 series deficit against Milwaukee as lingering injuries and offensive struggles raise questions about Ohtani’s place in the lineup.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are considering leaving Shohei Ohtani out of their starting lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The possible move follows a prolonged offensive slump and lingering injuries that have limited the four-time Most Valuable Player during the postseason.
Los Angeles trails Milwaukee 2-0 in the best-of-seven series after losing the first two games at American Family Field. The Dodgers return to Dodger Stadium needing a victory to avoid falling into a three-game deficit against a Brewers team that has already taken control of the series.
Manager Dave Roberts and the Dodgers are expected to discuss Ohtani’s availability before Wednesday’s game. According to reporting by The Athletic, the team is considering using top prospect Josue De Paula as its designated hitter if Ohtani is given the night off.
The decision would be significant because Ohtani has been one of baseball’s most productive hitters throughout his career. However, his recent performance has fallen well below his usual standards, raising questions about whether additional rest might benefit both the player and the team.
Ohtani’s Offensive Struggles Continue
Ohtani has recorded just three hits in 20 at-bats during the 2026 postseason, giving him a .150 batting average. He has no extra-base hits, seven strikeouts and three walks in the playoffs.
His struggles continued Monday when he went hitless in four at-bats and struck out twice during Milwaukee’s 7-4 victory in Game 2.
The postseason slump follows a difficult final stretch of the regular season. Ohtani has not hit a home run since August 18, when he went deep at Coors Field in Colorado.
That drought has now reached 110 plate appearances, including postseason games, making it the longest homerless stretch of his major league career.
Across his last 35 games, including the regular season and playoffs, Ohtani has batted .197 with a .629 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. He has driven in only one run since his most recent home run.
These statistics contrast sharply with the production that made him a central figure in the Dodgers’ lineup. During the regular season, Ohtani batted .275 with 30 home runs, 81 runs batted in and an .889 OPS.
Although those numbers would represent a productive season for many players, they were below the extraordinary offensive standards Ohtani has established.
The Dodgers have already attempted to address the slump by changing his position in the batting order. Roberts initially used Ohtani near the top of the lineup before moving him lower during the National League Division Series against Atlanta.
Ohtani batted fifth during one game against the Braves, his lowest starting position as a member of the Dodgers. He subsequently moved into the cleanup spot as the team continued searching for greater offensive production.
The adjustments have not produced a sustained improvement. With Milwaukee leading the series, the coaching staff must now consider whether a different hitter could provide a better opportunity in Game 3.
Injuries Complicate Dodgers’ Decision
Ohtani has been dealing with physical problems involving his left knee and right biceps since June. The injuries have affected his availability as both a hitter and pitcher.
The knee problem first became a concern during a June game against Pittsburgh. Although initial examinations did not reveal structural damage, recurring inflammation eventually required additional treatment.
Ohtani received an injection during the All-Star break to address the knee discomfort. The Dodgers also reduced his pitching workload as the symptoms continued.
A separate right biceps problem further complicated his recovery. By September, the team determined that continued rest was necessary and placed him on the 15-day injured list.
He returned to the lineup late in the regular season but has not regained his normal offensive consistency.
Roberts previously suggested that the injuries might be influencing Ohtani’s swing mechanics. The manager also acknowledged that the superstar could be struggling with timing after missing several games during the final weeks of the season.
Ohtani has continued generating strong bat speed, but the quality of his contact has declined. His swing has appeared less balanced at times, and he has struggled to make consistent contact against high-velocity pitching.
The Dodgers have also examined whether physical limitations are affecting his ability to adjust to certain pitches. These concerns are especially relevant during the postseason, when opposing teams regularly use their most effective pitchers.
Ohtani has accepted responsibility for his performance rather than placing the blame entirely on injuries. He has expressed confidence that he can still contribute to the team’s success.
Roberts has similarly emphasized that Ohtani remains capable of producing an important hit despite his recent struggles.
However, the team’s immediate circumstances leave little room for prolonged experimentation. Los Angeles must balance Ohtani’s potential to change a game with one swing against the possibility that his injuries are limiting his effectiveness.
Josue De Paula Emerges as Possible Replacement
If the Dodgers decide to rest Ohtani, Josue De Paula is considered the leading candidate to start at designated hitter.
De Paula, one of baseball’s highest-rated prospects, joined the major league roster in September after Ohtani was placed on the injured list.
The young outfielder had been playing for Double-A Tulsa before receiving his promotion. His offensive ability quickly attracted attention during his brief regular-season opportunity.
De Paula reached base in 21 of his 42 plate appearances, demonstrating strong plate discipline and an ability to contribute against major league pitching.
He also earned a place on the Dodgers’ postseason roster. However, the club has primarily used him as a pinch hitter because his defensive skills remain less developed than his offensive abilities.
During the playoffs, De Paula has appeared as a pinch hitter three times and drawn two walks.
Starting him at designated hitter would allow the Dodgers to use his bat without requiring him to play the outfield. The arrangement would also give Ohtani an opportunity to rest his injured knee and biceps.
The potential change carries considerable uncertainty. De Paula has limited major league experience, and a postseason start against Milwaukee would place him in one of the most demanding situations of his young career.
Ohtani, meanwhile, has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to deliver exceptional performances in high-pressure games. Removing him from the lineup would mean sacrificing that experience and power potential.
Roberts must decide whether Ohtani’s proven ability outweigh
IMAGE: Source IMG_6898 Author David from Washington, DC CC2