Swanson: Dodgers need Shohei Ohtani to find himself at the plate

Published: Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 6:32 am

Dodgers' Hopes Hinge on Ohtani's Performance

The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing mounting pressure as they navigate the National League Division Series. The team's expectations are high, particularly for star player Shohei Ohtani, who is expected to deliver exceptional performance.

Manager Dave Roberts has openly expressed concerns about Ohtani's decision-making at the plate, noting that his swing choices haven't been optimal. This comes after a series of less-than-stellar performances, including a 2-for-18 record with seven strikeouts since the Wild Card series. While Ohtani contributed as a pitcher in Game 1 of the NLDS, his performance at the plate has been a point of concern.

The Dodgers are relying on Ohtani to elevate his game, especially against the Philadelphia Phillies. The team is looking for Ohtani to recapture the form that saw him break franchise records during the regular season, including 55 home runs and 102 RBIs. The team is hoping that Ohtani will be able to perform at the level expected of a player of his caliber.

The Dodgers are in a critical position, and Ohtani's ability to perform will be crucial for the team's success.

BNN's Perspective:

The Dodgers' reliance on Ohtani highlights the immense pressure placed on star players in the postseason. While the team has a strong roster, the ability of a single player to significantly impact the outcome of games is a testament to the importance of individual performance in team sports.

Keywords: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers, MLB, Playoffs, NLDS, Dave Roberts, Hitting, Pitching, Performance, Philadelphia Phillies, Postseason, Baseball

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