Dodgers Could Bench Slumping Shohei Ohtani for Most Important Game of the Season: Report

**Lead**

The Los Angeles Dodgers are weighing an unprecedented decision that could reshape the narrative of their postseason run: benching two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani for the most critical game of the season, according to a report from ESPN’s Buster Olney. The move, which would be a stunning turn for the reigning National League MVP, comes as Ohtani has been mired in a prolonged slump at the plate, raising questions about whether the team’s championship aspirations outweigh the optics of sitting their highest-paid player.

**Context**

Ohtani, who signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2023, has been a central figure in the team’s push for a World Series title. However, his performance in the current postseason has been far from the MVP-caliber production that defined his regular season. Over the past two weeks, Ohtani has posted a batting average well below the Mendoza line, with a noticeable increase in strikeouts and a lack of timely hits. The slump has been particularly pronounced in high-leverage situations, where Ohtani has failed to drive in runs that could have shifted the momentum of close games.

The Dodgers, who clinched the National League West with the best record in baseball, are now locked in a tense Division Series against a formidable opponent. Game 5, if necessary, would be the winner-take-all contest that decides the series. According to the report, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and the front office have held internal discussions about the possibility of starting a different designated hitter or even moving Ohtani to a lower spot in the lineup—or out of it entirely. The team has not confirmed the deliberations publicly, but sources close to the situation indicate that the decision is being taken seriously.

Ohtani’s struggles are not entirely unexpected given the physical toll of his unique role. After undergoing elbow surgery in September 2023, he did not pitch during the 2024 season, focusing solely on hitting. Yet even as a designated hitter, the grind of a 162-game season and the pressure of a $700 million contract have appeared to weigh on him. His mechanics have looked off, with a longer swing and a tendency to chase pitches outside the strike zone. Opposing pitchers have exploited this, feeding him a steady diet of breaking balls low and away.

**Análise**

The potential benching of Ohtani would be a seismic moment in baseball history. No player of his stature—a two-time MVP, a global icon, and the face of the franchise—has been benched for a do-or-die playoff game in modern memory. The decision would send shockwaves through the clubhouse, the fan base, and the broader sports world. For the Dodgers, it represents a brutal calculus: loyalty to a superstar versus the cold logic of winning. If Ohtani sits and the Dodgers lose, the second-guessing would be relentless. If he sits and they win, Roberts would be hailed as a bold tactician.

From a strategic standpoint, the move makes sense. The Dodgers have a deep roster, with players like Max Muncy, J.D. Martinez, and Chris Taylor capable of handling DH duties. In a winner-take-all game, every at-bat matters, and a struggling Ohtani could be a liability. The team’s analytics department likely has data showing that Ohtani’s recent performance against the opposing pitcher is below replacement level. Yet benching him also risks alienating a player who is under contract for nine more years. The Dodgers must weigh short-term gain against long-term relationship management.

Moreover, Ohtani’s presence in the lineup affects the entire opposing game plan. Even when slumping, he commands respect from pitchers, who often pitch around him. Removing him could simplify the opponent’s strategy, allowing them to focus on other hitters. On the other hand, a benching might light a fire under Ohtani, motivating him to prove the doubters wrong—though that would only matter if he gets a pinch-hit opportunity.

**Fontes**

This report is based on information from ESPN’s Buster Olney, citing unnamed sources within the Dodgers organization. Additional context was drawn from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, who reported on Ohtani’s recent mechanical adjustments. No official statement has been released by the Dodgers or Ohtani’s representatives. The situation remains fluid as the team prepares for what could be the defining game of their season.