The MLB postseason is always packed with drama. but one storyline that’s creating quite a stir is the curious case of Shohei Ohtani’s batting order. Many are questioning whether the Japanese star’s order should be changed. Despite leading off in seven postseason games, Ohtani’s performance tells an intriguing tale. He has a -19 with the bases empty but an impressive 6-for-8 with runners on base.

This stat line has caused quite a stir, with fans wanting Ohtani to move down to ensure he drives in more runs. While on paper it sounds logical, baseball is far from predictable. And the Los Angeles Dodgers aren’t paying any heed to the noise. When asked about a possible change to the team manager Dave Roberts, he just chuckled. Thereby, his response made it clear that no such alterations are coming for their star slugger.

Dave Roberts finds humor in Shohei Ohtani’s odd postseason splits

Dave Roberts, believe it or not, isn’t losing sleep over Shohei Ohtani’s struggles with no one on base this postseason. According to him, Ohtani’s numbers postseason and regular season were nearly identical, for him to worry about. “It’s just funny how things change, where there was a lot of concern about Shohei not being able to get hits with the runners in scoring position—and now we’re all trying to find ways… to get guys on base so he can hit, right?.” Roberts, instead, is amused at how the narrative has shifted, and he is not wrong to think so.

“I kind of find that comical, a little  bit.” Roberts told reporters, including ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. After all, Ohtani managed to still hit 50 home runs, steal 50 bases, and open the exclusive club. Moreover, Shohei Ohtani finished the regular season with an impressive 1.036 OPS, regardless of the situation. So, despite Ohtani being 0-for-19 postseason, Roberts is unfazed. Heading into Game 3, Ohtani is hitting just 222, with one home run, five walks, and 12 strikeouts. But Dave Roberts has complete faith in Ohtani and his ability to turn things around. So, for now, the Los Angeles Dodgers are keeping the Japanese star in their leadoff spot.

Dodgers’ Daniel Hudson is unavailable for unknown reasons

In a puzzling turn of events, the Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Daniel Hudson was missing from all the action at Game 2 of the NLCS. Now, this is weird, given that Hudson performed brilliantly in Game 1; the expectations were riding high on him to perform in Game 2, both among fans and his team. But manager Dave Roberts’s response about Hudson’s absence from the field has everyone curious on what’s happening.

“He just had some things that he couldn’t pitch today,” said Dave Roberts. This non-descriptive message left fans and reports feeling like there was something cryptic going on behind the scenes, probably something concerning Hudson’s health condition. Despite the uncertainty, Roberts is optimistic that Hudson will make a return in Game 3. He further even dismissed any grave concern, saying, “I don’t think so.” Well, if Hudson is down, he will surely have two days of rest and should be ready to go.

This reassurance is much needed, considering the Dodgers need to step up their game. And Hudson is a key in the lineup now – he was already sidelined due to the lingerie effects of his MCL sprain in the 2023 post-season. There are plenty of challenges coming the way of the Los Angeles Dodgers making it to the World Series. All eyes definitely will be on Roberts and his ability for decision-making, so, do you think they can make it to the end? Share your take in the comments.