Why Benching Shohei Ohtani Is the Dodgers' Best Move

Shohei Ohtani has nothing left to prove at this stage of his illustrious career. Still, heading into the 2026 MLB season, the four time MVP appeared focused, for the first time, on an individual accolade. He wasn't simply looking to continue his dominance as a two way player, arguably the greatest the game has ever seen. He seemed to have his sights set on the National League Cy Young Award.

Fans and informed analysts quickly made it one of baseball's hottest talking points during the opening months of the season. After all, Ohtani captured National League Pitcher of the Month honors for March and April, going 2-1 through five starts, throwing 30 innings, striking out 34, walking just nine and posting an incredible 0.60 ERA.

His hitting, while still productive, was a tick below his usual superstar standards. Ohtani hit .273 during the season's opening month and change, with six home runs and an OPS of .897. From there, the narrative took on a life of its own. The mantra was clear: if Shohei's offence was down but his pitching was lights out, he must be singularly focused on winning the National League Cy Young Award.

The marathon that an MLB season becomes every year punishes starting pitchers, and the war of attrition ultimately proved unkind to Ohtani. He pitched exceptionally well, finishing 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts. By July, however, it was becoming clear that other National League aces were better equipped to endure the demands of a full season.

Miz Takes Over

Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers, the 24 year-old flamethrower who stymied opposing hitters all year and racked up an MLB leading 252 strikeouts, lapped Ohtani in workload and statistical totals, emerging as the clear favourite for the award.

Ohtani returned to being a productive hitter, but not the offensive force we've come to expect. Perhaps by pushing most of his chips into the pitching pot after the flop, he was left with little in reserve when the river arrived, with the Dodgers now fighting for their postseason lives.

At age 32, and now, with the Dodgers trailing Misiorowski and the Brewers 2-0 in the NLCS, Ohtani won't be taking the mound. With reported ailments affecting his right biceps, left knee and neck, he simply doesn't look like himself. His at bats have become a major concern. He is currently 3-for-20 at the plate without a home run, and the competitive edge that normally makes him so dangerous appears to be missing.

Enter Josue De Paula, an exceptional young offensive talent waiting for his opportunity.

The Dodgers have another narrative available to them this postseason. They can turn to a rookie with a limited sample size at the major league level and give him an opportunity to change the trajectory of an offence that desperately needs a spark. It is a gamble, certainly, but the Dodgers cannot afford to ignore every available option while the series slips away.

Manager Dave Roberts has to be considering the possibility. If removing Ohtani from the starting lineup is still merely an idea, it is time to act. Sit Ohtani for Game 3 as the NLCS shifts to Los Angeles, and give De Paula the opportunity to make his mark.

That decision, combined with an outstanding performance from Blake Snell against Brewers left hander Robert Gasser, could help turn the tide in Game 3 and change the complexion of the series.

Of course, Ohtani has earned the benefit of the doubt. If injuries are affecting him to the point that he cannot produce at the plate, he deserves the opportunity to recover. Benching him is not an indictment of his talent, his commitment or his place in baseball history. It is a recognition that even the greatest players sometimes need to step aside for the good of the team.

He could still prepare mentally for a pinch hitting opportunity in a high leverage moment later in the game, should the situation call for it.

The Dodgers are sinking, and they need a lifeline. Giving the great Shohei a game off, even in the NLCS, makes perfect sense. Sometimes the best move a manager can make is the hardest one, and Dave Roberts may need to make it before the Dodgers run out of time.