OHTANI'S POSTSEASON SLUMP RAISES INJURY QUESTIONS, REPORTER SAYS

Shohei Ohtani has struggled at the plate for the Los Angeles Dodgers during the postseason, batting .188 since returning from injury, according to EssentiallySports. In NLCS Game 1 against the Milwaukee Brewers, he recorded a bloop-single and a pop-up without his usual power, as the Dodgers lost 2-1 to fall 0-2 in the series. Reporter Bob Nightengale told Foul Territory he "wouldn't be surprised at all" if Ohtani required surgery once the season ends, adding that Ohtani is "hitting opposite-field singles" without the power he normally shows. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has moved Ohtani down to fifth in the batting lineup amid the slump.

Ohtani went 2-for-13 with four strikeouts against the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS and has recorded just one RBI across his last 23 games, according to the report. He is managing both a left knee injury and a right biceps injury, which the report suggests could be limiting his swing mechanics. Discomfort in the knee may be affecting his balance and lower-body drive, while the biceps issue could be limiting the strength and control behind his swing. In the Game 1 defeat to Milwaukee, Ohtani opened the second inning with a walk and later scored on a single by Andy Pages, but his own hit in the game showed little sign of returning power.

The Dodgers' offensive output has come under scrutiny as the team faces elimination pressure in the NLCS, according to CBS Sports, which reported questions over whether Ohtani could be benched after the 0-2 hole. The extent of his injury recovery remains unclear, with Nightengale suggesting postseason surgery could follow once the season concludes. No official timeline or decision on Ohtani's playing status or medical treatment has been confirmed by the Dodgers in the reported material.