Report: The Dodgers Are Considering Benching Shohei Ohtani

Dodgers reportedly weighing sending Shohei Ohtani to bench for Game 3 of NLCS

Speaking with The Athletic after LA’s second loss, manager Dave Roberts spoke on the possibility of removing his star player from the lineup ahead of a pivotal Game 3 at home.

“Yeah, I mean, obviously it hasn’t been good,” Roberts said. “He doesn’t feel great. I think for me, it’s having a conversation with him tomorrow, kind of try to figure out what’s best for him, what’s best for us. He certainly has earned that conversation and deserves it. … I’ll have [that conversation] with him tomorrow.”

Ohtani’s presence in the Dodgers lineup hasn’t generated the fear it normally would with how poorly he’s performed at the plate.

And with no shortage of talent and postseason experience in the team’s clubhouse, it may be best to give the six-time All-Star some rest and help him recalibrate with the season on the line.

Benching Ohtani would be one of the biggest storylines to come out of baseball’s postseason in a long time. But at this point, LA may not have a choice if it wants to keep its World Series hopes alive.