Ohtani Struggles as Dodgers Fall to Brewers in NLCS Opener

The Los Angeles Dodgers face mounting concerns about Shohei Ohtani's health and hitting as they pursue a third consecutive World Series appearance. Milwaukee defeated Los Angeles 2-1 in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series at American Family Field, with Ohtani's limited offensive production highlighting the challenge facing the defending champions.

Ohtani went 1-for-3, drew a walk and scored a run against the Brewers. According to Yahoo Sports, he is 3-for-16 through five postseason games and has yet to hit a home run during the playoffs.

His power drought extends into the regular season. Ohtani's last home run came against the Colorado Rockies on August 18, leaving the four-time MVP without a home run for nearly two months, according to Yahoo Sports.

Former MLB reporter Bob Nightengale raised concerns about the possibility of further medical treatment after the season, citing Ohtani's reduced power and altered hitting results.

"I wouldn't be surprised at all when the season's over… He doesn't look right. You know, he's hitting opposite-field singles, that sort of thing. Just the power's not there," Nightengale said in an interview with Foul Territory.

Ohtani's left knee soreness and right biceps problems have disrupted his season. He returned to the lineup on September 23 after a stint on the injured list, but his recovery has not yet restored his usual offensive impact.

The Dodgers have also kept him off the mound for the remainder of the season. Knee discomfort had already prevented him from pitching since July, according to the reports.

Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts has maintained confidence in Ohtani despite the difficult stretch. Before Game 1, Roberts emphasized that the star remains dangerous whenever he steps into the batter's box.

"If he's in the batter's box, he's still a threat," Roberts said.

Roberts also pointed to Ohtani's previous success against Milwaukee's pitching staff as a reason for confidence, while stressing the importance of controlling the strike zone.

"He swung the bat well against [the Brewers] last postseason. Their memories — those pitchers' memories are long. Now it's just up to Shohei to understand that and control the strike zone," Roberts said.

The manager has also defended his belief in Ohtani during the postseason slump, arguing that time away from competitive games could help him recover his swing and regain physical and mental balance.

"There's nothing right now I'm going to hang my hat on outside of; I just believe in the person and the talent," Roberts said Friday, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Roberts added that a brief break from game action could give Ohtani an opportunity to work on his mechanics and recover from the physical demands of the season.

"I do think that getting a couple of days out of a game environment to kind of work on his swing, rest the body, rest the mind is a benefit. I'm just never going to count Shohei out," Roberts said.

Former MLB star Alex Rodriguez offered a broader assessment of Ohtani's recent performance, acknowledging the impact of his injuries while emphasizing that the Dodgers cannot depend exclusively on home runs to generate offense.

"At the end of the day, there are some things to build on," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez followed by recommending a more varied offensive approach, noting that Ohtani had been a decisive contributor during the Dodgers' previous two championship-winning postseason runs.

"You have to stay away from thinking that just home runs are the only way you can score. And you have to diversify your approach. Let's also not forget that Shohei Ohtani for the last two years has been superhuman.

He's been an instant offense, and he's been a catalyst. And right now, because of his injuries, he's a shadow of himself," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez also identified the Dodgers' bullpen as a potential advantage if the pitching staff can continue covering the middle innings effectively.

"Here's what I would say: if the Dodgers keep getting four- and five-inning looks at that bullpen, they'll be just fine," Rodriguez said.

Milwaukee's pitching helped secure the opening victory despite a difficult second inning for starter Jacob Misiorowski, who needed 35 pitches to escape the frame. Los Angeles loaded the bases but failed to capitalize when Enrique Hernández grounded into an inning-ending double play.

The Brewers' bullpen then held the Dodgers scoreless over the final 4.2 innings. Los Angeles finished with one run, leaving the offense under pressure to respond in Game 2.

Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman said the team had prepared effectively for Misiorowski but could not deliver the decisive hit when opportunities arose.

"I thought we had a great plan. We executed against Misiorowski really well … We did our job there, just didn't get the big hit tonight," Freeman said.

Ohtani had gone 2-for-13 with four strikeouts during the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, according to Yahoo Sports. His limited production has added to the pressure on a lineup built around his ability to hit for power and generate extra-base hits.

Roberts moved Ohtani to fifth in the batting order amid his recent struggles. The Dodgers and Brewers are scheduled to meet again Monday for Game 2 of the National League Championship Series, with Los Angeles seeking to even the series.