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MLB games tonight carry enormous stakes for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who may be forced to consider an unthinkable lineup decision involving Shohei Ohtani. With the Dodgers trailing 2-0 in the National League Championship Series, Ohtani’s prolonged slump and apparent physical limitations have created a major question before Game 3 in Los Angeles.
MLB Games Tonight: Dodgers Face Critical Ohtani Decision
NLCS Game 3 is scheduled for Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET, with the Dodgers returning home for a must-win matchup. The team is weighing whether Ohtani should remain in the starting lineup or receive a rest day while the club turns to a younger option, potentially top prospect Josue De Paula.
Benching Ohtani would be a stunning move. He is a four-time Most Valuable Player and remains one of baseball’s biggest stars. However, the situation has become increasingly difficult to ignore. Ohtani is batting just .150/.261/.150 across six playoff games, and he has not hit a home run since Aug. 18.
His home-run drought is even longer at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani’s last homer in Los Angeles came against the Kansas City Royals on Aug. 12. His final three regular-season home runs all came during one series at Coors Field, making his recent power outage especially notable.
The Hidden Timing Problem Behind Ohtani’s Slump
According to MLB.com analysis, Ohtani’s struggles appear to be connected less to bat speed and more to timing. His bat is still moving quickly, but he is starting his swing late and making contact deeper in the hitting zone than usual.
The numbers against high velocity are particularly alarming. Through Aug. 18, Ohtani hit .280 with a .441 slugging percentage against pitches traveling at least 95 mph. Since Aug. 19, that production has fallen to a .036 batting average and a .071 slugging percentage.
That decline is significant because postseason pitchers are throwing harder than ever. The average October fastball this year is reportedly reaching 96.2 mph, leaving very little room for a hitter who is even slightly behind the ball.
Statcast Reveals a Dramatic Swing Breakdown
Statcast data shows Ohtani’s postseason swing has changed in several important ways:
- His attack angle is at the lowest level across the available monthly data, measuring just 8 degrees.
- His attack direction is more heavily oriented toward the opposite field than at any other point in the comparison.
- His intercept point is only 22 inches in front of his body, compared with his typical mark of approximately 27 inches.
- His late-swing rate against four-seam fastballs and sinkers has reached 37%, well above the MLB average of 25%.
Those figures tell a consistent story. When Ohtani swings late, the ball travels deeper into the zone. That produces weaker opposite-field contact, a lower attack angle and fewer hard-hit balls. The issue is not simply that he is missing pitches; his entire timing pattern appears to be out of rhythm.
Health Concerns Add Pressure Before Game 3
Ohtani has dealt with right biceps and left knee issues this season. He has not pitched since July 3 and spent two weeks on the injured list in September. After returning, he played only five regular-season games before the playoffs began.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the concern, saying Ohtani “doesn’t feel great” and deserves a conversation about what is best for both the player and the team. Hitting coach Aaron Bates previously described Ohtani’s issue as a matter of regaining timing against different pitch speeds.
The Dodgers must now determine whether additional work can correct the problem quickly or whether Ohtani’s body is preventing him from making the adjustments. With the season on the line, there may not be enough time for a gradual recovery.
Could Josue De Paula Replace the Dodgers Star?
Josue De Paula has only 11 games of regular-season experience, but the highly regarded prospect has impressed in limited opportunities. MLB Pipeline ranks him as the No. 4 prospect in baseball, and his disciplined approach has already drawn attention.
Joey Votto praised De Paula after the youngster reached base in Game 1, suggesting he could quickly join baseball’s upper tier. De Paula also posted one of the lowest chase rates among players who saw at least 100 pitches outside the strike zone this season.
Still, replacing Ohtani would represent an extraordinary gamble. At full strength, Ohtani is clearly the superior choice. The question facing Los Angeles is whether the version currently taking at-bats can outperform a confident young player in a win-or-go-home environment.
What to Watch in MLB Games Tonight
Game 3 will reveal whether the Dodgers trust Ohtani to rediscover his swing or decide that a temporary absence gives the club a better chance. Every at-bat will be closely examined, especially against Milwaukee’s high-velocity pitching.
For Ohtani, the goal is simple: get the bat started earlier, find the ball out in front and restore the timing that made him one of baseball’s most dangerous hitters. For the Dodgers, the decision is far more complicated. Their postseason future could depend on whether they choose loyalty to their superstar or a short-term lineup adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Dodgers’ next playoff game?
NLCS Game 3 is scheduled for Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET in Los Angeles.
Why is Shohei Ohtani struggling?
The primary concern appears to be timing. Ohtani is swinging late, making contact deeper in the zone and producing weaker opposite-field contact.
When did Ohtani last hit a home run?
Ohtani’s most recent home run came on Aug. 18. His last home run at Dodger Stadium was on Aug. 12 against the Kansas City Royals.
Could Josue De Paula start for the Dodgers?
It is a possibility being considered by Los Angeles. De Paula is a highly ranked prospect with strong plate discipline but limited Major League experience.
