SPORTS

Shohei Ohtani’s bat has gone quiet, but the Dodgers keep winning for now

PUBLISHED Oct 9, 2026, 3:50 PM ET

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Sources: 14

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Sources: 14

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is struggling offensively in the Major League Baseball postseason, hitting .154 with two walks and four strikeouts during the National Division Series win over the Atlanta Braves. Ohtani's early-round slump stems partly from nagging right biceps and left knee injuries that limited him to 139 regular-season games and landed him on the injured list in September. Manager Dave Roberts shifted Ohtani from his usual leadoff spot to fifth in Game 3 and fourth in Game 4 as tactical adjustments against opposing pitching. Despite Ohtani and the broader Dodgers lineup combining for a .203 team batting average against Atlanta, Los Angeles secured a four-game series victory. Ohtani has acknowledged he is not at full health as the team advances deeper into the postseason schedule.

By Haya | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On September 1, 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers placed Shohei Ohtani on the injured list.
On September 30, 2025 Shohei Ohtani completed the regular season with 139 appearances.
On October 5, 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers opened the National Division Series against Atlanta.
On October 7, 2025 Shohei Ohtani batted fifth during Game 3 against Atlanta pitchers.
On October 8, 2025 Shohei Ohtani batted clean-up during Game 4 victory over Atlanta.
On October 9, 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers completed a four game series win over Atlanta.
On October 10, 2026 Final freshness search confirmed no newer material developments on this topic.
On October 15, 2026 Expected upcoming league championship series games will test Ohtani fitness.
On October 25, 2026 Potential World Series appearance depends on team offensive recovery overall.
On November 1, 2026 Offseason medical evaluations will determine required treatment for lingering injuries.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Dodgers fans watch injured superstar bat closely during playoffs.
Possible long-term US impact: Health recovery shapes future player performance and franchise championship odds.
Most affected groups: Los Angeles Dodgers team, management, and baseball fans nationwide.
Reader priority: Official team statements and verified game statistics.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 14
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 14
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Explain Framing

Left: Focuses on physical health challenges and team collective resilience. Center: Reports factual game statistics and official managerial lineup tactical explanations. Right: Emphasizes individual superstar performance expectations and high financial stakes.