The Los Angeles Dodgers are preparing for a rematch with the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series, following a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS. While the series win was enough to advance, the Dodgers struggled offensively, particularly superstar Shohei Ohtani, whose performance was far below his usual standard.
“Ohtani was the focus of every plan of attack for the Philadelphia Phillies, who deployed one left-handed pitcher after another in the National League Division Series,” wrote The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya. “Ohtani had one hit and struck out nine times in 18 at-bats, with 16 of his 20 plate appearances coming against lefties.”
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Roberts Stresses Recalibration
Vote For Your Favorite Dodgers Duo: Ohtani – Yamamoto, Betts – Freeman, Hernandez – Hernandez
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the challenge Ohtani faced and stressed the need for improvement. “Certainly, whatever opponent we face, they’re gonna try to put as many lefties on Shohei,” Roberts said. “But hoping that he can do a little self-reflecting on that series. And how aggressive he was outside of the strike zone, passive in the zone — just the at-bat quality needs to get better. We’re counting on a recalibration, getting back into the strike zone and understanding when he faces left-handed pitching what they’re gonna try to do.”
Ohtani is also expected to pitch in the series, though Roberts declined to reveal the timing. David Vassegh of the Dodgers noted, “Dave Roberts said Dodgers have already determined when Ohtani and [Tyler] Glasnow will pitch this series, but declined to announce today.” Maintaining his regular rest schedule will be key to keeping the two-way star effective deep into the postseason.
Offensive Struggles Highlighted
Beyond Ohtani, the Dodgers’ offense underperformed across the board in the NLDS. The team scored just 13 runs in four games and managed only a .172 average with runners in scoring position. Roberts pointed to the need for better run production: “We weren’t great offensively, and you’ve got to give credit to the Phillies’ pitching staff. We’re going to need to be better offensively… hopefully, the offense gets untracked and takes a little bit of pressure off the pitching staff.”
Part of the lack of power came from Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Andy Pages struggling at the plate, compounded by Will Smith’s hand injury and Max Muncy entering a platoon role against lefties. Facing a Brewers staff with fewer left-handed options should give the Dodgers’ lineup more favorable matchups.
Ohtani Key to Dodgers’ Success
Roberts made it clear that Ohtani must elevate his game for the Dodgers to contend for a World Series. “We’re not going to win the World Series with that sort of performance… He’s just got to be better at managing the hitting zone. I’m counting on it and we’re all counting on it.”
Ohtani’s track record as a two-way superstar, including a strong showing against Cincinnati in the Wild Card round, gives reason for optimism as the Dodgers seek to advance past Milwaukee.