Dodgers To Discuss Drastic Move With Shohei Ohtani Down 0-2 In NLCS

The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves trailing the Milwaukee Brewers 0-2 in the National League Championship Series, with Shohei Ohtani's performance down 0-2. Ohtani's slump continues, as he has not hit a home run since August 18 and his injury issues have been well-documented. The Dodgers placed him on the injured list near the end of the regular season, hoping it would provide some rest, but it hasn't seemed to help.

In the postseason, Ohtani is batting .150 with a .411 OPS and has struck out three times in the NLCS. With elimination just two losses away, manager Dave Roberts may discuss the possibility of benching Ohtani, according to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya. Roberts acknowledged after Game 2 that Ohtani hasn't been feeling great and they plan to have a conversation with him on Tuesday to determine the best course of action for both him and the team.

Although benching Ohtani would be a significant risk due to his ability to change a game with one swing, his current condition, battling injuries and possibly a mental slump, makes the conversation necessary. The Dodgers have Josue De Paula on the roster, who performed well in the regular season, drawing a walk in the ninth inning of Game 1 as a pinch hitter.

De Paula's discipline at the plate could be a valuable asset against the Brewers' dominant pitching staff. While a 3-0 comeback is unprecedented in MLB history, and a 3-1 comeback has only happened 14 times, it is not impossible. However, a loss in Game 3 or 4 would put the Dodgers in a very tough spot.