Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani’s Postseason Struggles Threaten Dodgers’ Quest for a Third Straight Title
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Ohtani’s Offensive Decline in the NLDS
During the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, Shohei Ohtani recorded two hits in 13 plate appearances (.154 average, .421 OPS, .154 slugging). He struck out four times, walked twice and drove in one run. The slump persisted through Game 4 on October 7, 2026, when the Dodgers clinched the series in Atlanta.
Background & Context
Ohtani entered the 2026 season after a year limited by right-biceps and left-knee injuries. He still posted 30 home runs, 81 RBIs and a .889 OPS in 139 games. In his first two seasons with Los Angeles he hit more than 50 homers each year, posted OPS figures above 1.000 and earned two NL MVP awards.
Data & Statistics
- NLDS (four games): 2-for-13, .154 average, .421 OPS, .154 slugging, 0 RBIs, 4 strikeouts.
- Regular season (post-injury): 30 HR, 81 RBI, .889 OPS in 139 games.
- Since Aug. 18, 2026: no home runs; one RBI in more than 95 plate appearances.
- Dodgers’ NLDS run production: 14 runs in four games; team hit .203 overall.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani needs better zone discipline, noting that “staying in the strike zone” is essential. He added that the Dodgers can still win thanks to lineup depth and elite pitching.
Verbatim Quotes
- “At some point, it’s going to click for him,” — Andrew Friedman
- “He can still do a better job of staying in the strike zone,” — Dave Roberts
On-the-Ground Reports
In Game 4, Ohtani drew a first-inning walk, stole second and scored on an errant throw before later striking out and grounding out. The Braves’ catcher Sean Murphy recorded the out that ended Ohtani’s brief scoring contribution. Throughout the series, the Dodgers leaned on power from Max Muncy, Freddie Freeman, Kiké Hernández and others, while pitchers Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow delivered dominant outings.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on Ohtani’s NLDS line (2-for-13, .154 average, .421 OPS). Minor variations in regular-season OPS figures reflect different measurement periods rather than contradictory data. No source provides a definitive timeline for when Ohtani’s swing mechanics will improve.
What’s Next
The Dodgers advance to the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Ohtani will not pitch due to lingering injuries; the rotation will feature two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. The team’s ability to generate offense without Ohtani’s power will be a decisive factor as they pursue a third consecutive World Series title.