Ohtani's Game 3 Dilemma: Should He Sit or Play for Dodgers?

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Shohei Ohtani’s Injuries Leave Dodgers Facing a Difficult Game 3 Decision

This series could hinge on Game 3, and the biggest question surrounds Shohei Ohtani. The biceps and knee injuries are clearly taking a toll, leading to real conversations about whether the Dodgers should bench him for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series.

Ohtani has not hit a home run since August 18. He has three hits in 20 postseason at-bats, and over the past two months, his slash line is .156/.283/.200. He went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Game 2. Dave Roberts said the team would discuss whether Ohtani should play in Game 3.

It is remarkable to consider that the best player in baseball, a multi-time MVP with an electric bat and a dynamic arm, could sit for the biggest game of the 2026 season. But this does not look like a cold stretch. Ohtani looks hurt, and he may need to sit.

His at-bats in Game 2 were among the worst he has had. He looked fooled and caught in his own head. When a player’s knee and biceps hurt, the team has to make the decision that gives it the best chance to win. Getting someone else into the lineup could help kick-start the Dodgers’ offense.

Roberts would have to make the difficult choice of telling Ohtani that he will not play. That decision also raises long-term considerations. Ohtani is expected to remain a major part of the Dodgers, and the team wants him in its uniform for years to come. After helping the Dodgers win back-to-back championships, he has earned the right to play it out.

Roberts will likely keep Ohtani in the lineup. The Dodgers may decide that if they go down, they will do it with the players who got them there. If Ohtani needs rehabilitation, surgery, or anything else to return next season, the team can turn its attention to next year and another championship run.

Winning three consecutive championships would be an extraordinary feat. The Dodgers have played a great deal of baseball, and the entire team looks tired and exhausted.

That fatigue appeared evident with Yamamoto in Game 2. The Dodgers finally lost a game he started, and he seemed uncomfortable while pressing for calls from the umpire and ABS challenges. He appeared to feel the pressure to perform, and the Brewers’ offense hit him well.

The Brewers look like they want it more, and that is not an insult to Dodgers fans after back-to-back championships. Milwaukee and its fans are desperate to take advantage of this opportunity. Pat Murphy is a two-time National League Manager of the Year, the lineup is unrelenting, and the pitching staff is led by Mizurovski and a bullpen described as the best in the game.

Everything is lining up for Milwaukee. The Brewers were the best team in the regular season and are currently the best team in the postseason. Their fans can feel that this could happen.