The Dodgers’ quest for the elusive threepeat just hit a snag. They lost Game 2 of the NLDS to the Braves, tying the series 1-1, and now the Braves have home field advantage. But the real gut punch right now? Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is barely registering at the plate, going a dismal 2 for 8 in the series with zero extra-base hits or walks, and a couple of strikeouts. This isn’t just a mini-slump, it’s a huge problem for an L.A. lineup that needs his bat.
The Numbers Tell a Brutal Story at the Plate
Look, we all know Ohtani can rake, but what we’re seeing right now is tough. He hasn’t homered since way back on August 18 in Coors Field. That’s a staggering stretch of 20 games and 80 at-bats without a bomb from one of baseball’s most powerful hitters. It gets worse: his overall OPS took a dive from a ridiculous .953 in the first half of 2026 to a .772 mark in the second half. His underlying batted-ball authority? Also dropped off. When he finally came back for the last five regular season games after a stint on the injured list, he only managed 5 for 21 with just one double, eight strikeouts, and one walk. His September batting line was a rough .200/.333/.233. This isn’t the Ohtani everyone expects, especially when the stakes are this high.
Injuries, The Manager, and What’s Next
The big elephant in the room is Ohtani’s health. He hasn’t pitched since July 3, when left knee discomfort and soreness in his right biceps pulled him from a start against the Padres. Those issues kept him out of the All-Star Game and, yeah, it means he probably won’t be pitching in the postseason. While the Dodgers’ rotation depth can handle Ohtani the pitcher being sidelined, it’s Ohtani the hitter they desperately need, especially with some aging spots in their lineup.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has to be concerned, even if he’s trying to stay positive. After Sunday’s 3-2 loss to Atlanta, Roberts admitted, “I think with Shohei, it’s just, I think, if you look at the at-bats, there’s a lot of chase.” He added that “it’s hard to square up, put good swings on balls that are out of the zone.” When asked if the injuries might be affecting Ohtani at the plate, Roberts said, “I haven’t heard anything other than he feels fine. So I don’t know if he’s trying to do too much because he doesn’t feel perfect.” He knows, like we all do, that “This time of year, everyone doesn’t feel, no one feels perfect. He’s doing the best he can.” Roberts also knows the next challenge is huge, noting Chris Sale will be “tough because there’s a lot of strike to ball, it’s high velocity.”
This series is now a best-of-three with the Braves holding home field advantage. The Dodgers are going to need Ohtani to find that hitting zone Roberts talked about, and fast. The season could hinge on it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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