Dodgers Eliminated After Ohtani Starts NLCS Game 4

The Los Angeles Dodgers fall to the Milwaukee Brewers 6-4, ending their postseason run despite a three-run homer from Shohei Ohtani.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Baseball

Dodgers Eliminated After Ohtani Starts NLCS Game 4

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Should professional athletes play through performance slumps even if their team's chances of winning might suffer?

The Los Angeles Dodgers were eliminated from the playoffs following a 6-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the NLCS. Shohei Ohtani, who started as the leadoff hitter, broke an extended home run drought with a three-run blast during the game.

Why it matters

The Dodgers coaching staff had considered benching Ohtani due to ongoing offensive struggles and physical ailments. Ohtani successfully advocated for his inclusion in the lineup, arguing he could still contribute to a team victory.

Ohtani ended his 116 at-bat home run drought with his Game 4 three-run homer. This performance followed a difficult September where he recorded a .200 batting average with only one RBI and three runs.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A two-way baseball player who previously underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers who participated in meetings regarding the NLCS lineup.

Andrew Friedman

The President of Baseball Operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Brandon Gomes

The General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The details

Before the game, Ohtani met with manager Dave Roberts, Andrew Friedman, Brandon Gomes, and his agent to lobby for a starting spot. Despite his performance in Game 3, where he went 1-for-2 with a walk, the staff had been cautious given the home run drought that began on August 18.

2023: Shohei Ohtani underwent his second Tommy John surgery.
July 3: The Dodgers shut down Ohtani from all pitching duties.
August 18: Shohei Ohtani began his prolonged home run drought.
September: Ohtani finished the month batting .200 with one RBI and three runs.
October 20, 2026: This report confirms the conclusion of the Dodgers' postseason run.

Season Trajectory

The Dodgers' reliance on an injured Ohtani underscores the high-stakes trade-off between resting star talent and chasing a championship. This early postseason exit forces the organization to re-evaluate their roster construction after a season marred by significant physical setbacks.

The 6-4 loss eliminates the Dodgers from further playoff contention, ending their pursuit of a title. With the season over, the front office will now transition to assessing contract statuses and recovery timelines for key players like Ohtani.

The takeaway

Even when star players provide late-game heroics, collective team health and depth remain the primary drivers of postseason success. Management must now balance the desire for immediate victory with the long-term physical sustainability of their roster.