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Ohtani's Health: Can Dodgers Win Without Pitching?
12 Oct
Summary
- Dodgers face Brewers in consecutive NLCS matchups.
- Ohtani limited by injuries, unlikely to pitch in postseason.
- Dodgers won World Series in 2024 with Ohtani injured.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are headed to the National League Championship Series for the third straight season. They will face the Milwaukee Brewers, who posted the league's best record this year. This marks the second consecutive season the two teams have met in the NLCS, with the Dodgers having swept Milwaukee in 2025.
Shohei Ohtani's health is a significant storyline for the 2026 postseason. He has been dealing with injuries, including knee inflammation and biceps discomfort, and has not pitched since July 3. It is highly unlikely he will pitch during the playoffs, though he remains available as a designated hitter.
However, Ohtani's absence from the pitching mound may not hinder the Dodgers' championship aspirations. The team famously won the World Series in 2024 while Ohtani recovered from elbow surgery, demonstrating their depth and resilience.
In the recent National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, Ohtani recorded two hits and one run over four games. He managed one stolen base but did not hit a home run, drawing two walks and striking out four times.
