Dave Roberts, the guy whose 2004 stolen base is probably the most famous play in baseball history, might be about to make history again. And for Dodgers fans, it won’t be good news. There’s a real possibility he benches Shohei Ohtani, arguably the greatest baseball player of all-time, during the playoffs.
Roberts’ Unforgettable Legacy and an Unprecedented Call
It’s wild to think Roberts’ fame largely comes from that one incredible steal for the Red Sox in Game 4 back in 2004. Your grandkids are gonna know about that moment. Seriously, if some major sports outlet dropped it into a list of the top 10 MLB moments ever, who’s arguing? Jackie Robinson’s steal of home in the 1955 World Series is maybe the only one that comes close, and the Dodgers didn’t even win that game. When you’re responsible for something that huge, that’s what sticks, no matter how much you achieve later as a manager. Coaches don’t get personality cults in baseball like they do in other sports. But Roberts is staring down a decision that might actually rival that steal in its historical weight: benching Ohtani in the postseason.
Ohtani’s 2026 Season: From MVP Candidate to Injury Battle
What a weird year it’s been for Shohei Ohtani. Everyone expected 2026 to be his big comeback, pitching and hitting full-time, and for a while, it looked like he was delivering. He was dominant on the mound, starting 14 games over the first three months, putting up an insane 2.87 ERA. We were all picturing him competing for his first Cy Young. And at the plate, he was crushing it too, with 18 homers and an OPS over .900 through the first half. It wasn’t just possible, it felt *likely* he’d snag both the MVP and the Cy Young, crafting a season that would literally be the greatest by any athlete ever.
But then, the injuries hit. First, a knee injury ended his pitching season way too early. Then, a right biceps strain started messing with his hitting. Struggling with both, Ohtani ended up on the IL in late September, right in the middle of one of the worst slumps of his career. There were even whispers, serious doubts, about whether he’d even be able to play in the postseason. Despite all that, Ohtani still managed to be incredibly valuable to the Dodgers, leading the team in bWAR.
Now, as the playoffs loom, the question is what Roberts does with him. This isn’t just about a player, it’s about the biggest name in baseball trying to fight through injuries on the biggest stage. How do you handle that? What’s at stake for the Dodgers in the NLCS is huge, and Roberts’ call on Ohtani will be watched by every single fan in the game.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Over the Monster.
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