There’s plenty of excitement in Los Angeles as the Dodgers continue their impressive season, keeping alive the dream of defending their MLB title after last year’s World Series triumph over the New York Yankees. Leading the charge is Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani, the cornerstone of the roster despite currently enduring one of the toughest slumps of his career.
Widely regarded as one of baseball’s most complete players, Ohtani has consistently proven his value both on the mound and at the plate. His rare two-way talent continues to set him apart, even during stretches of struggle.
While a dip in form from Ohtani might seem unthinkable given his remarkable consistency, even elite athletes face challenges. Still, his relentless work ethic and commitment to the Dodgers suggest it’s only a matter of time before he regains his dominant form and lifts the team once again.
What’s behind Shohei Ohtani’s career-worst slump?
Despite a solid showing in the last game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Shohei Ohtani has yet to deliver his usual dominance in the postseason. The Japanese star has struggled to find his rhythm at the plate, falling short of expectations during the Dodgers’ playoff run.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have advanced through two rounds, eliminating the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies, but Ohtani’s offensive impact has been limited.
So far, the two-way sensation is hitting below .200, failing to replicate his regular-season success. His struggles have been evident throughout the series, particularly in key at-bats against the Phillies.
Dodgers president Andrew Friedman credited Philadelphia’s strategy for Ohtani’s slump, praising their precision on the mound. “The most impressive pitch execution against a hitter I’ve ever seen,” Friedman said, acknowledging how effectively the Phillies neutralized the team’s biggest star.
Shohei Ohtani’s Postseason Struggles: A Stark Contrast to His MVP-Level Regular Season
Shohei Ohtani’s 2025 playoff performance has been a clear step back from his dominant regular season. After hitting .282 with an OPS of 1.014 during the year, his postseason numbers dropped sharply to a .158 average and .641 OPS across nine games. Despite his struggles at the plate, Ohtani has remained aggressive on the bases, recording 17 stolen bases, showing his effort to contribute in other ways.
The decline is even more evident when comparing his playoff stats to his overall career marks. In 25 postseason games, Ohtani has hit just .202, a notable drop from his .282 career average, highlighting his ongoing challenges in October.
While his power numbers have dipped, just two home runs this postseason compared to 55 in the regular season, his consistency and discipline remain vital for the Los Angeles Dodgers as they push for another World Series title.
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