The Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers will meet in the National League Championship Series for the second consecutive season. As surprising as it may sound, Shohei Ohtani enters the matchup as one of Los Angeles’ biggest weaknesses.

Manager Dave Roberts made a significant lineup adjustment before Game 3 of the National League Division Series, moving Ohtani down to the No. 5 spot because of his previous struggles against Atlanta Braves starter Chris Sale.

Ohtani entered the game 3-for-15 during his career against the left-hander. He had also gone 0-for-4 with two strikeouts against Sale when the Dodgers suffered a 1-0 road loss in Atlanta on Aug. 26.

Roberts correctly anticipated that Ohtani could still receive opportunities with runners on base despite hitting lower in the lineup.

With runners at first and second during the first inning, Sale struck out Ohtani to end the scoring threat.

Ohtani returned to the plate with two runners on base in the third inning. He reached on catcher’s interference by Drake Baldwin, loading the bases, but Miguel Rojas followed with a flyball to right field that ended the inning.

Ohtani walked to begin the eighth inning against Brent Suter, Atlanta’s fourth pitcher of the game.

He finished Game 3 going 0-for-2 with a strikeout and a walk.

Roberts moved Ohtani into the cleanup spot for Game 4. The designated hitter went 0-for-3 with a strikeout, a walk and a run scored.

Ohtani is now 12-for-78 (.154) with one home run and three RBIs in his last 20 games.

The Dodgers won the series despite receiving little offensive production from their designated hitter. However, Ohtani’s extended struggles remain the ugliest part of an otherwise important collection of postseason victories.

Los Angeles continuing to win with Ohtani performing at his worst is both impressive and frightening for opposing teams. However, relying on the rest of the lineup to compensate for him is not sustainable.

The Dodgers need Ohtani at his best against Milwaukee and during the World Series if they advance that far.

Ohtani still possesses the discipline and power required to escape this slump quickly. His presence alone affects how opposing pitchers approach the lineup, even when his results are poor.

He must avoid allowing his eagerness to contribute to pull him away from the strike zone. Greater patience can force pitchers to challenge him with more favorable offerings.

Ohtani has also experienced enough success to understand that difficult stretches do not require a complete reinvention of his swing. His preparation and confidence should allow him to make targeted adjustments rather than pressing for immediate results.

Los Angeles does not need Ohtani to carry the offense alone. The Dodgers need controlled plate appearances, better swing decisions and the dangerous hitter who can transform an entire series with one mistake from an opposing pitcher.

His ability to change a game remains unquestioned, but reputation cannot replace production. Ohtani must rediscover his timing, punish strikes and give Milwaukee another dangerous problem to solve throughout the National League Championship Series.