Dodgers Consider Benching Shohei Ohtani as Postseason Struggles Continue

The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly preparing to discuss whether Shohei Ohtani should remain in the starting lineup as his postseason struggles continue.

The possibility is significant because Ohtani is not an ordinary lineup player. He is one of the Dodgers’ biggest stars, one of baseball’s most recognizable athletes and a central part of the team’s offensive identity. Any change to his role would attract immediate attention, especially with the season reportedly at stake in NLCS Game 3. Source 1

The reports do not confirm that the Dodgers have benched Ohtani, identified a replacement or provided a precise statistical explanation for his slump. They indicate only that manager Dave Roberts and the organization may need to decide whether short-term performance should outweigh their trust in a superstar.

Why the Dodgers Are Considering a Lineup Change

Ohtani’s Postseason Struggles Have Continued

The available reports describe Ohtani’s struggles as continuing into the postseason. They do not provide verified batting averages, strikeout totals, game-by-game results or a specific duration for the slump. That limits the extent to which the situation can be evaluated from public information.

The broader concern is clear: the Dodgers are examining whether Ohtani’s current production justifies keeping him in a prominent lineup role. Postseason struggles receive greater attention because every at-bat carries more weight. In October, a team may have only a few opportunities to change a series.

The concern appears to focus on Ohtani’s current postseason performance rather than his overall ability. His talent, reputation and previous success remain important factors, but playoff managers must also evaluate what a player can provide in the next game.

The Dodgers Face Immediate NLCS Pressure

The reported discussion is tied to NLCS Game 3, giving the decision immediate importance. This is not a routine lineup adjustment during the regular season. The Dodgers are weighing the role of one of their most important hitters in a game connected to their championship hopes.

A struggling hitter can become a target for opposing pitchers, who may exploit perceived weaknesses or emphasize difficult matchups. A lineup change would affect more than one batting spot. It could alter the batting order, defensive alignment, pinch-hitting options and late-inning substitutions.

The available reports identify the NLCS Game 3 context but do not establish every detail of the Dodgers’ series position or tactical situation. The urgency is nevertheless evident: Roberts must maximize one game while recognizing that the decision could influence the entire series.

Bench Ohtani or Give Him Another Opportunity?

The debate involves short-term results and long-term trust.

The argument for benching Ohtani is based on immediate performance. The Dodgers could seek a more favorable matchup, use a hitter in stronger current form or give Ohtani a temporary reset. Sitting out the start could also allow him to prepare for a selective pinch-hitting role.

The argument against benching him is based on his continuing ability to change a game with one swing. Removing Ohtani could make the opposing pitching plan easier and reduce pressure on the rest of the Dodgers’ lineup.

The reports describe a possible discussion, not a confirmed decision. The Dodgers may consider benching Ohtani without ultimately removing him from the starting lineup.

Dave Roberts’ Difficult Decision

Why Benching Ohtani Would Be Unusual

Ohtani’s status makes the decision exceptional. He is a central Dodgers star and a global baseball attraction. Removing him from a playoff lineup would carry symbolic weight beyond one at-bat or one game.

Star players typically receive more opportunities to recover from short-term struggles. A benching would indicate that the Dodgers believe the immediate tactical benefits outweigh the value of keeping Ohtani in the lineup.

The move would also create immediate discussion among fans, teammates, opposing clubs and national and international media. Every decision involving Ohtani receives more attention because his role extends beyond ordinary roster expectations.

Yahoo Sports described the potential move as an “unthinkable” decision for Roberts, with the Dodgers’ season reportedly at stake in NLCS Game 3. Source 7

What Roberts Must Weigh

Roberts must consider:

• Ohtani’s recent at-bats and overall postseason production.
• The matchup against the opposing pitcher.
• Ohtani’s history in difficult situations.
• The quality of the available bench options.
• Defensive and baserunning considerations.
• The value of maximizing one playoff game.
• The psychological effect on Ohtani and the clubhouse.
• Ohtani’s potential value as a pinch hitter.

The manager must separate reputation from strategy without ignoring Ohtani’s ability. A star’s name cannot guarantee a starting role, but a short slump should not automatically erase the value of his presence.

A Bench Role Would Not End Ohtani’s Postseason

“Benching” could mean not starting rather than removing Ohtani from the entire game plan. If he begins on the bench, the Dodgers could still use him as a pinch hitter, deploy him against a specific pitcher or save him for a late-inning situation.

That role could preserve some of his offensive value while allowing Roberts to build the starting lineup around a different matchup. The available reports do not confirm whether this alternative has been discussed.

The Case for Keeping Ohtani in the Lineup

Ohtani Remains a Constant Threat

Ohtani can remain dangerous even when his results do not meet expectations. Opposing pitchers may still approach him cautiously because one mistake can change the game.

His presence can affect the entire pitching plan. Pitchers may avoid the strike zone, work around difficult counts or alter their approach to the hitters behind him. A player does not need to produce immediately to influence how an opponent manages the lineup.

That argument does not prove that Ohtani should start. It explains why removing him could carry risks not visible in a basic box score.

Removing Ohtani Could Help the Opponent

A benching could simplify the opposing team’s strategy. Without Ohtani in the starting lineup, pitchers might attack other hitters differently and reserve certain pitches or sequences for more favorable situations.

Ohtani’s presence may also provide protection for his teammates. Even if he is not producing, opposing pitchers must account for the possibility of an extra-base hit or decisive swing.

The sources do not provide the Dodgers’ internal matchup analysis, so this remains a strategic possibility rather than a confirmed team evaluation.

A Short Slump May Not Justify a Major Change

A postseason slump is not automatically evidence of a long-term decline. A playoff series provides a limited sample, and one well-timed hit can change a player’s narrative.

Overreacting to a small sample could disrupt lineup continuity, undermine confidence and create additional clubhouse tension. Keeping Ohtani in the lineup could communicate trust and give him another opportunity.

The available sources do not provide enough detail to determine how long or severe the slump has been. The Dodgers’ internal information, including video analysis and matchup data, would be more valuable than public speculation.

The Brewers’ Approach Offers an Alternative

Reported Recommendation from Yahoo Sports

Another Yahoo Sports report argues that the Dodgers should consider the Milwaukee Brewers’ approach rather than immediately benching Ohtani. The broad recommendation is to keep the struggling star in the lineup while applying corrective measures. Source 5

The available summary does not provide the full details of Milwaukee’s example. It does not identify specific personnel, coaching methods, statistical adjustments or exact corrective steps. The principle is clear: address the problem without automatically removing the player from the lineup.

Possible adjustments could include:

• Reviewing swing decisions.
• Modifying pregame preparation.
• Studying opposing pitching patterns.
• Simplifying Ohtani’s approach at the plate.
• Adjusting the batting-order context.
• Using conversations with coaches and teammates to reduce pressure.
• Identifying pitches or situations that require greater discipline.

These are possible categories of adjustment, not confirmed Dodgers actions. The team’s actual plan has not been detailed in the available reports.

Keeping Ohtani in the lineup while making tactical changes could preserve his value and avoid turning the lineup decision into the team’s dominant story. The risk is that the Dodgers could lose a high-leverage game while waiting for a turnaround.

Mookie Betts Supports Ohtani

Mookie Betts reportedly addressed the speculation surrounding Ohtani and emphasized that the Dodgers need him. Source 9

Betts’ comments matter because he is one of the Dodgers’ most important leaders. His support suggests that the team continues to believe Ohtani can contribute despite the difficult stretch.

Public confidence from a teammate can reduce pressure on a struggling player. It can also reinforce the idea that postseason success depends on the entire group rather than one isolated problem.

Betts’ support does not guarantee that Ohtani will start. Players can express confidence while a manager evaluates the matchup, recent production, defensive needs and available alternatives. The comments show continued support, but they do not confirm the final lineup.

How a Lineup Change Could Affect NLCS Game 3

Offensive Consequences

Replacing Ohtani’s at-bats would give another hitter a larger role. The Dodgers could rearrange the batting order, pursue a specific pitcher-hitter matchup or emphasize current performance.

The available reports do not identify a possible replacement or projected lineup. Any prediction about the exact batting order would be speculative.

Defensive and Bench-Management Consequences

A lineup decision would affect late-inning strategy. If Ohtani starts on the bench, Roberts could preserve him as a pinch hitter. If he starts, the manager may have fewer offensive options available later in the game.

The decision could also affect defensive flexibility, substitutions and Roberts’ response to game developments. The manager must consider not only the first inning but also the final outs.

Psychological Consequences

A benching could communicate that the Dodgers are prioritizing immediate performance and are willing to make difficult decisions. Keeping Ohtani in the lineup could communicate confidence, stability and trust in the regular structure.

Neither message is automatically correct. The effect would depend on how Ohtani and the rest of the clubhouse interpret the move.

What Happens Next?

The next step is an internal discussion involving Roberts, the coaching staff, the front office and relevant players. The conversation would likely cover Ohtani’s recent at-bats, the opposing pitcher, available lineup alternatives, the importance of NLCS Game 3, Ohtani’s potential role if he does not start and the effect on late-game strategy.

No final decision is confirmed in the available source summaries. The Dodgers could keep Ohtani in the lineup, start him on the bench or assign him a modified role.

Possible Outcomes

Ohtani Remains in the Starting Lineup

The Dodgers could choose continuity and trust. Ohtani would receive another opportunity to change the direction of his postseason while working with the coaching staff on tactical adjustments.

Ohtani Starts on the Bench

The Dodgers could use a different lineup for Game 3 while keeping Ohtani available as a pinch hitter. The decision would become a major storyline regardless of the game’s result.

Ohtani Receives a Modified Role

The team could alter his lineup position or use him selectively based on matchups. This would create a middle ground between a full start and complete removal from the game plan.

Conclusion

The Dodgers are reportedly considering whether to bench Shohei Ohtani as his postseason struggles continue. The discussion reflects the urgency of the NLCS, not necessarily a loss of confidence in his overall ability.

Roberts faces three broad choices: bench Ohtani to maximize an immediate matchup, keep him in the lineup because his talent remains too valuable to remove or follow a Brewers-inspired corrective approach while preserving his role.

Betts’ reported message that the Dodgers need Ohtani reinforces the team’s belief in its star, but it does not settle the lineup decision. The unresolved question is whether Roberts will prioritize a short-term change or trust Ohtani to break out with the season on the line.

FAQ

Are the Dodgers benching Shohei Ohtani?

The available reports say the Dodgers are expected to discuss whether to bench him. They do not confirm that Ohtani has officially been removed from the starting lineup. Source 3

Why are the Dodgers considering benching Ohtani?

The reports link the discussion to Ohtani’s continued postseason struggles and the urgency of NLCS Game 3. The Dodgers must decide how to maximize their lineup in a high-pressure game.

Will Ohtani play in NLCS Game 3?

The available sources do not confirm whether Ohtani will start or appear as a substitute. The Dodgers’ final lineup decision will determine his role.

What did Mookie Betts say about Ohtani?

Yahoo Sports reports that Betts addressed the speculation and emphasized that the Dodgers need Ohtani. His comments indicate continued teammate support but do not confirm Ohtani’s lineup status.

What is the Brewers’ approach?

It is presented as an alternative to immediately benching a struggling star. The approach involves keeping the player in the lineup while applying corrective measures. The available summary does not provide the full details of the Milwaukee example.

Could Ohtani contribute if he does not start?

Yes. A player who does not start can remain available as a pinch hitter or late-game option. Ohtani’s exact role would depend on the Dodgers’ final strategy and the game situation.