Dodgers Struggle as Ohtani and Smith Underperform in NLCS Game 2
WHO:
NY Post - Shohei Ohtani and Will Smith are players for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Newsweek - Will Smith is identified as an All-Star catcher for the Dodgers.
WHAT:
MLB.com - Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Shohei Ohtani will be in the lineup for Game 3 of the NLCS at Dodger Stadium.
MLB.com - Ohtani has been managing lingering right biceps and left knee injuries since at least June, which landed him on the 15-day injured list in September.
MLB.com - Ohtani has not hit a home run since August 18, 2026, and has driven in only one run since then.
MLB.com - Ohtani's 110 plate appearances without a home run, including the postseason, are a career high.
MLB.com - Ohtani is hitting 3-for-20 (.150) this postseason with no extra-base hits, seven strikeouts, and three walks.
MLB.com - Ohtani's batting average in his last 35 games, including regular season and postseason, is .197 with a .629 OPS.
Daily Mail Sports - The Dodgers will resume the NLCS on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Fox News - The Dodgers lost Game 2 of the NLCS to the Brewers with a score of 7-4.
Fox News - Shohei Ohtani is hitting just .150 this postseason.
Fox News - Manager Dave Roberts stated he may bench Ohtani for Game 3 of the NLCS.
Daily Mail Sports - The Dodgers are considering benching Shohei Ohtani for Game 3 of the NLCS as they cling to their World Series hopes.
Fox News - The Dodgers are facing a 2-0 deficit in the NLCS after losing to the Brewers, putting their hopes for a three-peat in jeopardy.
Daily Mail Sports - The NLCS will resume on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Fox News - The Dodgers are facing a 2-0 deficit in the NLCS after losing to the Brewers, putting their hopes for a three-peat in jeopardy.
Fox News - Manager Dave Roberts stated he may bench Ohtani for Game 3 of the NLCS.
Daily Mail Sports - The NLCS will resume on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Fox News - Shohei Ohtani is hitting just .150 this postseason.
Fox News - Manager Dave Roberts stated he may bench Ohtani for Game 3 of the NLCS.
Daily Mail Sports - The NLCS will resume on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Fox News - The Dodgers are facing a 2-0 deficit in the NLCS after losing to the Brewers, putting their hopes for a three-peat in jeopardy.
NY Post - The Dodgers are facing a 0-2 deficit in the NLCS after losing Game 2 with a score of 7-4.
NY Post - Manager Dave Roberts is considering benching Shohei Ohtani due to his poor performance and injury woes.
NY Post - Will Smith did not utilize two ABS challenge opportunities during the game, which could have impacted the outcome.
NY Post - Shohei Ohtani struck out during the sixth inning of Game 2 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers.
NY Post - The Dodgers lost Game 2 of the NLCS to the Brewers.
Newsweek - Will Smith was moved down to the fifth position in the Dodgers' lineup for Game 2 of the NLCS.
WHERE:
NY Post - The game took place in the National League Championship Series (NLCS).
WHEN:
NY Post - The Dodgers' Game 2 NLCS loss occurred on a Monday.
WHY:
NY Post - The Dodgers' advantages in starting pitching and offensive firepower have been marginalized by the Brewers' lineup.
NY Post - Ohtani and Smith were highlighted as underperforming in the game, contributing to the team's loss.
HOW:
IJR - Dave Roberts said he "doesn't feel great" and will weigh what's best for player and club regarding Ohtani's status.
Daily Mail Sports - The Dodgers are considering benching Shohei Ohtani for Game 3 of the NLCS as they cling to their World Series hopes.
NY Post - The Dodgers' management is having discussions regarding the potential benching of Ohtani amid his slump.
Newsweek - The decision to move Will Smith in the lineup was made in response to his recent performance.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that Shohei Ohtani will be in the lineup for Game 3 of the NLCS at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani has been dealing with lingering injuries to his right biceps and left knee, which previously put him on the injured list, and he hasn't hit a home run since August 18, 2026. This postseason, he is hitting just three for twenty with no extra-base hits, seven strikeouts, and three walks, bringing his batting average over the last 35 games to .197.