MLB Icons Debate Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers Struggles: Zero ‘Backup Plan’
The ailing designated hitter is back in the leadoff spot for the Dodgers “do-or-die” Game 4 in the NLCS.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have shuffled Shohei Ohtani to leadoff in Game 4 of the NLCS as the team faces elimination by the Milwaukee Brewers. Ohtani, who has been battling injuries, was moved up from sixth in the lineup prior to Game 3. Despite his desire to play and feeling healthy enough to leadoff, professionals are skeptical about his performance.
Alex Bregman, a Chicago Cubs third baseman, and Joey Votto, a former Cincinnati Reds first baseman, joined MLB analyst Jeff Passan to discuss Ohtani's struggles. Bregman explained that mechanical differences may affect Ohtani's ability to make solid contact, even when starting at the same time as before. Votto suggested that Ohtani has yet to figure out a backup plan to lower his angle and approach the ball differently when injured. Ohtani's previous success has prevented him from adapting to these challenges, according to Votto.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
