{
  "id": 14237319,
  "title": "Dodgers' decision to bench Shohei Ohtani is a no-brainer | Opinion",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/dodgers-decision-to-bench-shohei-ohtani-is-a-no-brainer-opinion",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-13T16:06:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dodgers-decision-bench-shohei-ohtani-160632645.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Los Angeles Dodgers' management should bench their star player, Shohei Ohtani, according to their manager, Dave Roberts. Roberts stated that he intends to discuss the matter with Ohtani in order to determine the best course of action for both him and the team. It is clear that Ohtani, who holds the role of designated hitter, has been struggling with his performance in the National League Championship Series, with a batting average of .150 and a lack of extra-base hits.\n\nThe obvious solution to boost the team's chances of turning the series around is to replace Ohtani with rookie Josue De Paula. De Paula, who was called up on September 11, has shown great potential in his brief time with the team, with a batting average of .323 and a slugging percentage of .581. His disciplined approach at the plate and ability to deliver in clutch situations make him the perfect candidate to provide the spark the Dodgers need to rally from their two games-to-none deficit and ultimately win the series.\n\nMoreover, Ohtani's recent slump, which has lasted for 23 games, cannot be solely attributed to his performance. Knee inflammation, a right bicep issue, and neck problems have all contributed to his struggles at the plate. While Ohtani remains hopeful that he will overcome his slump, the Dodgers must take action to secure their chances of winning the championship. By benching Ohtani and allowing rookie De Paula to take on a larger role, the team can increase their odds of pulling off a stunning comeback and become the seventh team to defy the odds and emerge victorious from a two games-to-none deficit.",
  "summary": "It's time for the Dodgers to put an end to Shohei Ohtani's painful slump for them to have a chance to rally past the Brewers in the NLCS.",
  "key_points": [
    "Manager Dave Roberts plans to bench Shohei Ohtani.",
    "Rookie Josue De Paula recommended to replace Ohtani.",
    "Ohtani's slump due to injuries and poor performance."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Dodgers To Discuss Drastic Move With Shohei Ohtani Down 0-2 In NLCS",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/dodgers-to-discuss-drastic-move-with-shohei-ohtani-down-0-2-in-nlcs",
        "published": "2026-10-13T14:50:38.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}