{
  "id": 14836599,
  "title": "MLB Icons Debate Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers Struggles: Zero ‘Backup Plan’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/mlb-icons-debate-shohei-ohtanis-dodgers-struggles-zero-backup-plan",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-16T01:31:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/mlb-icons-debate-shohei-ohtanis-dodgers-struggles-zero-backup-plan-12575918"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "The ailing designated hitter is back in the leadoff spot for the Dodgers “do-or-die” Game 4 in the NLCS.",
  "key_points": [
    "Dodgers move Shohei Ohtani to leadoff in NLCS Game 4",
    "MLB analysts doubt Ohtani's performance due to injuries",
    "Joey Votto says Ohtani needs backup plan to adapt"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Relying on a single mechanical approach leaves the Dodgers vulnerable when injuries prevent their star player from adapting his swing to maintain consistent contact at the plate.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}