The Los Angeles are facing challenges in their pursuit of a third consecutive championship. After losing Game 2 of the NLDS to the Atlanta Braves, the series is now tied 1-1, effectively turning the matchup into a best-of-three, with the Braves having the advantage of playing at home.
A significant concern for the is the current condition of two-way star Shohei Ohtani. He hasn’t pitched since July 3, after being taken out of a game due to discomfort in his left knee and soreness in his right biceps. These issues sidelined him from the All-Star Game and likely prevent him from pitching in the postseason. While the have a strong enough pitching rotation to manage without Ohtani on the mound, his value as a hitter is crucial, especially in an aging lineup. He was placed on the injured list in September due to knee inflammation but returned for the last five regular-season games, batting 5 for 21 with only one extra-base hit—a double—and striking out eight times compared to one walk. Looking at the broader picture, Ohtani’s batting average in September was just .200/.333/.233, and his overall OPS dropped from .953 in the first half of 2026 to .772 in the second half. His power also waned, with no home runs since August 18 at Coors Field, extending to a 20-game, 80 at-bat homerless streak including the Braves series.
In the postseason so far, Ohtani is 2 for 8 with no extra-base hits or walks, along with two strikeouts in the first two games against Atlanta. While those numbers come from a small sample size, they add to concerns considering his recent slump and lingering knee issues. manager Dave Roberts commented after the recent loss, noting that Ohtani has been chasing pitches outside the strike zone and struggling to make solid contact, which is partly due to facing tough pitching like Chris Sale, who throws high-velocity pitches and presents a difficult challenge.
Regarding Ohtani’s physical condition, Roberts mentioned that the player says he feels fine, though Roberts admitted no player feels perfect at this time of year. He confirmed Ohtani would be in the lineup for Game 3, emphasizing the need for good at-bats and a positive outlook.
While the ’ strong pitching staff can usually compete well against any matchup, the Braves’ manager Walt Weiss’s strategy in Game 2 allowed the team to save aces like Sale for full rest appearances. Sale, at age 37, remains dominant and will start the crucial Game 3, benefiting from a platoon advantage against left-handed batters like Ohtani. Facing a pitcher of Sale’s caliber will be especially tough for a hitter like Ohtani, who has been struggling recently and might not be at full health.
After nearly a decade of extraordinary performances, it’s difficult to doubt Shohei Ohtani. However, the injuries might be masking the true version of Ohtani fans expect, and this situation poses a serious threat to the ’ hopes of extending their dynasty.
Fan Take: Shohei Ohtani’s health and performance are pivotal not just for the but for baseball fans everywhere who have marveled at his unprecedented talents. If Ohtani can’t return to his dominant form, it could reshape the postseason dynamics and remind us how fragile greatness can be in the face of injury.
Source: www.cbssports.com
