Shohei Ohtani's NLDS Struggles Prompt Call for Improved At-Bat Quality

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani endured a 'woeful performance' in the National League Division Series, finishing one-for-18 with nine strikeouts. He struggled significantly against left-handed pitching, facing southpaws in 12 of his 20 plate appearances, and recorded only an RBI single in Game 2 as his sole hit, with his only other time reaching base being an intentional walk in Game 4. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the tough matchups but critically called for Ohtani to improve his 'at-bat quality,' urging him to self-reflect on being 'aggressive outside of the strike zone, passive in the zone.' Roberts stressed, 'We’re not gonna win the World Series with that sort of performance,' and expects Ohtani to recalibrate and better manage the hitting zone for the NL Championship Series. Ohtani himself conceded his at-bats didn't go as planned but praised the opposing pitchers' postseason-worthy performances, while Roberts also noted Ohtani's at-bats on pitching days seemed rushed.