Image Source: Yahoo Sports
Ohtani is facing renewed questions about his health and postseason form after another quiet performance left the Los Angeles Dodgers searching for answers. The superstar went 1-for-3 with a walk in the Dodgers’ 2-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in National League Championship Series Game 1.
Although Ohtani reached base and later scored, his at-bats offered little evidence that his usual power has returned. His lone hit was a bloop single, while his final plate appearance ended with a harmless pop-up against Brewers left-hander Aaron Ashby.
Ohtani Injury Questions Intensify After Slump
The latest concerns follow a difficult return from injuries to Ohtani’s left knee and right biceps. He returned to the Dodgers’ lineup on September 23 after spending time on the injured list, gradually progressing from tee work to batting practice before rejoining the team.
The Dodgers kept him off the mound for the rest of the season so he could focus on hitting. However, his bat has not consistently shown the explosiveness that made him one of baseball’s most dangerous offensive players.
Ohtani is batting .188 in the postseason. He went 2-for-13 against the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series and has struck out four times across five playoff games. He has also recorded only one RBI over his last 23 games.
Those numbers have fueled speculation that he may still be dealing with physical limitations. A sore knee could affect his balance, lower-body drive and ability to rotate through a swing. A biceps issue, meanwhile, could interfere with bat speed and control.
Powerful Concerns Follow Dodgers Superstar
Bob Nightengale suggested that the Dodgers may face a difficult medical decision after the season. Speaking with Foul Territory, the reporter said he “wouldn’t be surprised at all” if Ohtani needed surgery during the offseason.
Nightengale pointed to the difference between Ohtani’s current contact and the powerful swings that normally define his game.
“He doesn’t look right,” Nightengale said. “You know, he’s hitting opposite-field singles, that sort of thing. Just the power’s not there.”
The comments do not confirm that Ohtani will require surgery, and the Dodgers have not announced any new diagnosis. Still, the questions are becoming more difficult to ignore as Los Angeles tries to defend its championship and pursue a third consecutive World Series title.
Dodgers Offense Needs an Immediate Spark
Ohtani’s struggles are significant, but Game 1 exposed broader problems throughout the Dodgers’ lineup. Los Angeles loaded the bases during the second inning against Jacob Misiorowski, who needed 35 pitches to escape the frame. However, Enrique Hernández grounded into an inning-ending double play.
The Dodgers failed to capitalize on their best opportunity, and Milwaukee’s bullpen completed the job by holding Los Angeles scoreless over the final 4.2 innings.
Freddie Freeman said the Dodgers had a strong approach but could not deliver the decisive hit.
“I thought we had a great plan. We executed against Misiorowski really well,” Freeman said. “We did our job there, just didn’t get the big hit tonight.”
The result puts additional pressure on Ohtani, especially because the Dodgers have often relied on his ability to change a game with one swing. Even a hard-hit double or a deep drive in Game 2 could provide a much-needed confidence boost.
Dave Roberts Still Trusts Ohtani
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains confident that Ohtani can recover. Before Game 1, Roberts said that as long as Ohtani is in the batter’s box, he remains a threat.
“He swung the bat well against [the Brewers] last postseason,” Roberts said. “Their memories — those pitchers’ memories are long. Now it’s just up to Shohei to understand that and control the strike zone.”
That approach could be especially important as Ohtani attempts to avoid pressing. He does not need to immediately hit a home run to help Los Angeles. Stronger contact, disciplined at-bats and a few productive swings could begin to shift the momentum.
For now, the Dodgers must balance optimism with urgency. Ohtani’s health remains uncertain, his power has not returned, and the team is already trailing in the NLCS. Game 2 offers him another opportunity to quiet the concerns and give Los Angeles the offensive spark it desperately needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shohei Ohtani injured?
Ohtani recently returned from left knee and right biceps injuries. His current struggles have raised questions about whether those issues are fully healed, but the Dodgers have not confirmed a new injury.
What is Ohtani batting in the postseason?
Ohtani is batting .188 in the postseason. He has recorded four strikeouts in five games and has not yet produced a home run or RBI during the playoff run described in the report.
Did Bob Nightengale predict Ohtani will have surgery?
No. Nightengale said he would not be surprised if Ohtani underwent surgery during the offseason, but that statement was speculation rather than confirmation from the Dodgers.
Why is Ohtani’s power important to the Dodgers?
Ohtani is one of the Dodgers’ most dangerous hitters. His ability to produce extra-base hits and home runs can change the outcome of a game, making his current lack of power a major concern.
