The 2025 MLB postseason for the Los Angeles Dodgers has highlighted the complex, two-sided dominance of their superstar, Shohei Ohtani. While Ohtani delivered a historic, dual-threat regular season—hitting a franchise-record 55 home runs and an MVP-caliber 1.014 OPS, all while resuming pitching—his performance in October presented a stark contrast. On the mound, Ohtani was a masterful playoff debutant, securing a critical win with his pitching. At the plate, however, he was uncharacteristically silent and inefficient, struggling to make solid contact and leaving a void in the middle of the Dodgers’ powerhouse lineup. His up-and-down NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies demonstrated that even the most unique talent in baseball is not immune to the pressures and pitching mastery of October baseball.
The Mounding of a Postseason Pitching Career
The most anticipated aspect of Ohtani’s 2025 season was his return to pitching following his elbow surgeries, and his playoff pitching debut was a resounding success. In a critical Game 1 start of the NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Ohtani delivered a masterful six innings of work.
He demonstrated complete command and high velocity, racking up nine strikeouts while allowing only three earned runs. Ohtani’s pitching performance set the tone for the series, securing a vital victory on the road and showcasing the full two-way threat the Dodgers acquired him for. Furthermore, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had already announced Ohtani as the likely Game 1 starter for the subsequent National League Championship Series (NLCS), a clear sign of the high confidence the team had in his arm to anchor their rotation as they seek to defend their World Series title.
Batting Struggles Against the Phillies’ Arms
In sharp contrast to his pitching brilliance, Ohtani’s performance as a designated hitter was a significant point of concern for the Dodgers throughout the NLDS. After a solid Wild Card series where he hit two home runs and drove in four RBIs, his bat went ice-cold against the Phillies.
Over the four-game Division Series, Ohtani registered an uncharacteristic slump, going just 1-for-18 at the plate with only one RBI. His struggles were characterized by poor swing decisions, including chasing pitches off the plate, and an alarming number of strikeouts—totaling nine in the series. Manager Dave Roberts openly addressed the slump, noting Ohtani was “in between a little bit” and that his “swing decisions are just not where they need to be right now.” The inefficiency from the likely NL MVP left a noticeable power vacuum in the middle of the Dodgers’ lineup.
Left-Handed Pitching as the Primary Challenge
The primary factor in Ohtani’s offensive struggles was the excellence of the Phillies’ pitching staff, particularly their reliance on left-handed arms. Philadelphia successfully deployed a rotation and bullpen featuring strong left-handers, including Cristopher Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo, and Ranger Suárez.
These pitchers, with their tricky angles and effective off-speed pitches, were able to effectively neutralize Ohtani. While Ohtani’s regular-season numbers against left-handers were strong, the pressure and quality of pitching in the postseason seemed to put him at a disadvantage. Dodgers management acknowledged the tough matchup, but the team’s ability to win the series despite the diminished offensive production from their superstar showcased the tremendous depth of the reigning champions.
The Pressure and Expectations of a Superstar
Ohtani’s slump was magnified by the enormous expectations placed upon him as the face of baseball and the sport’s most unique talent. His regular season was record-setting, with 55 home runs and a 1.014 OPS, and he was widely considered a lock for his second National League MVP award. The postseason is the true proving ground, however, and his struggles led to intense media scrutiny and fan anxiety.
Despite the low batting average, his teammates, including veteran Will Smith, publicly backed Ohtani, expressing confidence that his bat would return in the NLCS. Smith’s sentiment, “Look at Shohei. He didn’t do much this series. I expect next series for him to come out and hit like five homers. That’s just who he is,” encapsulates the collective belief that Ohtani is due for a massive breakout, which the Dodgers will desperately need against their next opponent to secure another trip to the World Series.
Looking Ahead to the NL Championship Series
As the Dodgers prepare for the NLCS, Ohtani’s two-way status remains their defining feature and their biggest question mark. The plan is for him to lead the pitching staff in Game 1, confirming his role as the playoff ace. However, his hitting performance remains the key to unlocking the team’s full potential. The Dodgers managed to overcome the Phillies with a largely cold Ohtani bat, a testament to their overall roster strength. But as the competition intensifies in the Championship Series, the team acknowledges that a consistent, impactful offensive presence from Ohtani will be essential for them to realize their ultimate goal of securing back-to-back World Series championships.
