The Los Angeles Dodgers are weighing their options for Game 3 after Shohei Ohtani’s postseason struggles prompted internal discussion about whether the superstar could be removed from the starting lineup, according to The Athletic. The situation places one of Major League Baseball’s most prominent players at the center of a high-pressure playoff decision.

Ohtani entered the postseason as one of the most important offensive pieces on a Dodgers roster filled with established stars. His combination of power, speed, and international appeal has made him a central figure in the franchise’s championship pursuit. However, playoff baseball often creates difficult decisions when a team’s immediate need for production conflicts with the reputation and long-term value of a star player.

The Dodgers have not indicated that a benching decision has been finalized. Any change to Ohtani’s role would represent a significant move because of his status within the organization and the expectations surrounding his performances in major games.

For the Dodgers, the discussion is less about Ohtani’s overall ability and more about finding the most effective lineup combination at a critical moment. Teams regularly evaluate player matchups, recent performance, defensive considerations, and health factors during the postseason, when individual opportunities are limited and every at-bat carries additional importance.

Ohtani’s situation also reflects the unique circumstances surrounding a player who has transformed the modern baseball landscape. Before joining the Dodgers, he established himself as one of the sport’s rare two-way talents, combining elite hitting with high-level pitching. His move to Los Angeles created historic expectations, and his presence has become a major factor in the Dodgers’ global profile.

The pressure surrounding postseason performance is particularly intense for championship contenders. The Dodgers have invested heavily in building a roster capable of competing for titles, and postseason results often shape evaluations of players, coaches, and front-office decisions. A short-term lineup adjustment would be viewed through the lens of winning immediately rather than as a broader judgment of Ohtani’s career value.

Ohtani’s teammates and Dodgers officials have consistently emphasized the importance of preparation and team success. In situations involving star players, organizations often attempt to balance competitive decisions with communication and clubhouse stability.

The potential lineup change also demonstrates how quickly postseason narratives can shift. A player who dominates during the regular season can face intense scrutiny after a limited number of playoff games. Baseball’s small sample sizes create situations where temporary struggles receive outsized attention, especially for players with global recognition.

For the Dodgers, the next steps will likely involve evaluating available offensive options and determining how to create the strongest possible lineup for Game 3. The team may consider factors such as opposing pitching matchups, recent at-bats, and the performance of other hitters on the roster.

The decision will attract attention beyond Los Angeles because of Ohtani’s influence throughout baseball. His popularity has expanded MLB’s reach internationally, particularly in Japan, where he remains one of the most celebrated athletes. Any postseason adjustment involving him is likely to generate significant discussion among fans, analysts, and media outlets.

Major League Baseball has increasingly centered its marketing around global stars and compelling postseason storylines. Ohtani has been a major part of that strategy, making his performance and availability important not only for the Dodgers but also for broader league interest.

Still, the Dodgers’ immediate objective remains competitive performance. Postseason teams frequently make difficult choices involving established players when attempting to advance. Similar decisions have occurred throughout baseball history when managers prioritize specific matchups or recent production over reputation.

The final decision on Ohtani’s Game 3 role will depend on the Dodgers’ internal evaluation and game plan. Whether he remains in the lineup or receives a temporary adjustment, the situation underscores the challenges of managing elite talent under championship pressure.

As the postseason continues, the Dodgers will face ongoing questions about how best to deploy their roster, while Ohtani remains one of the sport’s most closely followed figures. The outcome of the team’s decision could become one of the defining moments of the Dodgers’ playoff run.