Shohei Ohtani’s 2026 season came to an abrupt end Thursday as the Los Angeles Dodgers were swept by the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), marking a stark contrast to the team’s championship runs in 2024 and 2025. The sweep also underscored the physical challenges that have hampered Ohtani throughout the year, as he continues to manage knee and biceps injuries.
Following the Dodgers’ 6-4 loss in Game 4, Ohtani addressed the possibility of offseason surgery and ongoing treatment to address his injuries. Speaking through an interpreter, the 32-year-old said, “It’s something that’s going to be analyzed, discussed over the offseason, and see if that’s a viable thing to do.” He expressed a commitment to returning as a pitcher next season, adding that he is “looking forward to having a better season.”
Ohtani’s health concerns have been a significant factor this season, limiting his effectiveness and availability. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Ohtani’s status as one of baseball’s elite players but noted the toll injuries have taken. “He’s the best player on the planet, and he’s not completely healthy. But I just give him a lot of respect for not running from it, still wanting to participate, still wanting to play when he’s not 100%,” Roberts said.
Despite Ohtani’s determination, his performance in the postseason reflected the difficulties he has faced. Over eight playoff games against the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers, he recorded a .192 batting average with five hits in 26 at-bats and struck out 10 times. His runs batted in did not come until the final game, when he hit a three-run home run in the second inning—his first since August 18—demonstrating flashes of the power that has defined his career.
Teammates and opponents alike have recognized the gap between this season’s Ohtani and the version that carried the Dodgers in previous years. Utility player Kiké Hernández commented on the challenge posed by the Brewers’ performance, calling it “almost perfect baseball,” while Brewers manager Pat Murphy praised Ohtani’s talent, recalling his “greatest game I’ve ever seen played by an individual player last year against us.”
Ohtani’s mix of power and vulnerability was evident in the final game. While his home run provided a brief 4-0 lead and momentary hope for the Dodgers, he also struck out three times, a reminder of his ongoing struggles. Roberts described the home run as “the best ball he hit in probably two, three months,” highlighting both its significance and the frustration boiling beneath the surface.
Looking ahead, Ohtani indicated the offseason will be a period of reflection and adjustment. “Not quite satisfied with how things shaped up on the pitching side at the end of the year,” he said. “It’s something that I’m going to kind of go back to the drawing board in terms of treatment, training program, and see what I can come up with for next season.”
The Dodgers and their star player now turn to recovery and preparation, hoping that lessons from this difficult campaign will translate into a healthier and more productive 2027 season.