Dodgers writer blasts Shohei Ohtani's selfishness over final Game 3 decision vs. Brewers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are hoping to get back on track after falling behind 2-0 in their series against the Milwaukee Brewers. However, it has been a difficult stretch for superstar Shohei Ohtani, who has not looked like himself since suffering his injury.

Ohtani has struggled through the first two games of the series. Following the Game 2 loss, manager Dave Roberts raised the possibility of the star sitting out.

“Yeah, I mean, obviously it hasn’t been good,” Roberts told The Athletic on Monday. “He doesn’t feel great. I think for me, it’s having a conversation with him tomorrow, kind of try to figure out what’s best for him, what’s best for us. He certainly has earned that conversation and deserves it.”

The chances of Ohtani actually sitting appeared low, but he has not looked sharp at the plate since returning. On Tuesday, Roberts revealed that Ohtani believed he was ready to play.

“He was adamant that he can help us, well enough to help us win a baseball game. That's all I needed to hear,” Roberts told the media.

There is obviously some risk involved in the decision, given Ohtani’s recent struggles. However, he is a key part of the Dodgers’ lineup, and the team is choosing to ride out the good and the bad. With the series at stake, Game 3 feels almost like a must-win for Los Angeles.

Still, former Dodgers beat writer Blake Harris criticized Ohtani’s decision to insist that he was ready to play, calling the superstar selfish.

“So selfish. Well hopefully this at least means they lower him in the order because it would be malpractice to have him anywhere near the top 5 of that starting lineup,” Harris posted.

If Ohtani fails to produce in Game 3, some fans may question the decision to keep him in the lineup. Given his recent performance, there is a debate over whether he is in a position to contribute at his usual level.

That is part of the competitive nature of baseball. Watching Ohtani over the last couple of seasons, it is clear that he has the ability to come through for his team in big moments. His decision to play in a must-win game while not at 100% may be viewed as selfish, but it could also pay major dividends if he delivers when the Dodgers need him most.

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