During last year’s National League Championship Series, which the Los Angeles Dodgers swept, Shohei Ohtani dominated the Milwaukee Brewers and earned Most Valuable Player honors.

Ohtani hit .357 with three home runs, four RBIs and a remarkable 1.643 OPS in 14 at-bats over four games.

He also delivered on the mound in Game 4, allowing no runs on two hits with 10 strikeouts and three walks in six innings. His impact as both a hitter and pitcher made him a decisive factor against Milwaukee.

The Dodgers have a different version of Ohtani this postseason.

He will not contribute on the mound after saying he intends to focus exclusively on hitting following problems with his right biceps and left knee. Those injuries are also preventing him from being fully healthy at the plate during the postseason.

Ohtani went just 2-for-13 (.154) with two walks, a stolen base and a run scored in four games during the Dodgers’ National League Division Series victory over the Atlanta Braves. Both of his hits were singles.

He also dropped to fifth in the hitting order for the first time since 2020. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained that the change was made only because Los Angeles was facing left-hander Chris Sale.

The Dodgers still advanced to the National League Championship Series without receiving their usual production from Ohtani.

Los Angeles has an All-Star lineup surrounding him, creating enough depth for other hitters to compensate when the four-time Most Valuable Player is struggling.

However, Milwaukee’s pitching staff limited the Dodgers to a combined .188 hitting average during their seven regular season meetings.

Los Angeles hit only .203 during the National League Division Series and .226 in Sunday’s 2-1 loss in Game 1, suggesting offense could be difficult to generate in this series.

Ohtani rediscovering his swing would provide an important lift for the two-time defending World Series winners.

However, he’s now 13-for-81 (.160) with one home run and three RBIs in his last 21 games.

Ohtani’s ability to alter a game remains intact even while he works through physical limitations and an extended offensive slump. Pitchers must still approach him carefully because his power can turn one mistake into immediate damage.

His patience will be especially important in Game 2 against a Brewers staff that changes pitchers frequently and presents hitters with different looks. Attempting to force his way out of the slump could lead him to chase pitches and produce weak contact.

Ohtani must trust his strike-zone judgment, remain balanced and accept walks when Milwaukee refuses to challenge him.

His experience also matters. He has already succeeded against this pitching staff under postseason pressure and understands how quickly one productive plate appearance can restore confidence.

Los Angeles advanced without his usual production, but a disciplined and healthier Ohtani would make its already dangerous lineup considerably harder for Milwaukee to contain.