In a stunning display of talent during the 2024 regular season, Shohei Ohtani captivated the baseball world by belting an astonishing 52 home runs while swiping 53 bases — with the totals still growing. This unprecedented feat solidified his status as one of the game’s premier superstars and raised expectations for his impact in the upcoming playoffs.
As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare for October, the question looms: Can Ohtani carry the team to glory or are there too many holes in the roster for the team to succeed?
The Supporting Cast on Offense
In recent playoff runs, the Dodgers have often found themselves in need of critical hits, yet key bats like Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and Max Muncy have gone quiet when it mattered most. During the team’s early exit after the 2023 NLDS against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Freeman struggled to find his rhythm, going just 1-for-10 in 12 plate appearances.
Similarly, Betts, who usually shines in big moments, faced challenges in the 2023 playoffs and found himself failing to record a hit in 11 AB. Max Muncy’s inconsistency was also a concern as his power was sorely missed in big moments.
The absence of consistent performances from these players has highlighted the need for a multi-faceted offense. While Ohtani’s remarkable abilities can greatly enhance the lineup, relying solely on him isn’t a viable strategy.
For the Dodgers to advance deep into October, a collective effort from all offensive stars will be essential, including those at the bottom of the lineup. They must rise to the occasion, supporting Ohtani and ensuring that the team can thrive under pressure.
The Importance of Quality Starting Pitching
For as bad as the outlook is in the current starting pitching department, whoever the team lines up to start in the opening round of this year’s playoffs might not be as bad as the starters last year. In the 2023 NLDS against the Diamondbacks, Clayton Kershaw got things started in Game 1, but he never made it through the first inning, allowing six earned runs on six hits and a walk.
In Game 2, Bobby Miller only lasted 1-2/3 innings after surrendering three earned runs on four hits and two walks. Veteran lefty Lance Lynn got pounded in Game 3, giving up four earned runs on six hits and getting yanked from the game halfway through the second inning.
Right handers Jack Flaherty and Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be the headliners for the Los Angeles 2024 playoff rotation and odds are they will fare much better than last year’s version. However, the options for a third starter are not as attractive, forcing skipper Dave Roberts to potentially choose between Miller, Walker Buehler, Landon Knack or a possible bullpen game.
Still, Flaherty and Yamamoto — coupled with Ohtani’s hot bat — could produce a more favorable outcome than the team being swept in the 2023 NLDS.
Ohtani’s Motivation in His First Playoff Appearance
As Shohei Ohtani prepares for his first playoff appearance, the motivation to perform at an elite level will undoubtedly be a driving force. This moment represents a culmination of years of hard work, and Ohtani will be eager to prove himself on the postseason stage. His competitive nature and desire to win can inspire the entire Dodgers roster and perhaps ignite their collective fire.
The addition of Teoscar Hernández this year further enhances the team’s offensive capabilities, providing another reliable bat that could take some pressure off Ohtani, Freeman and Betts. Hernández’s ability to deliver in clutch situations can be a game-changer, offering much-needed depth to the lineup.
With Ohtani, Hernández, Betts and Freeman contributing, the Dodgers could create a potent combination that challenges opposing pitchers. This quartet could lead to more run production than what the Dodgers saw in recent postseason runs.
Ohtani’s Potential Impact
As Los Angeles begins its 2024 playoff journey, Ohtani’s determination and skill could be the catalyst they need to overcome past disappointments. If he can harness his motivation and inspire those around him, the Dodgers may just find themselves poised for a championship run, turning Ohtani’s historic season into a legendary postseason tale.
The thrill of watching him in October promises to be a spectacle that could redefine the team’s legacy and leave a monumental mark on baseball history.
Think Blue Planning Committee 
You mention Miller or Buehler as a third starter, Dennis.
I don’t think we see Miller again this year, so for me that’s a definite no.
My guess is that it will be Buehler although I think the guy who really deserves it based on performance is Knack. He may well be used as the long man during the playoffs unless Buehler is really horrible in his next start which might make them change their minds about starting Knack.
Gonsolin had an excellent outing for OKC yesterday, striking out 6 guys in 3 innings and allowing no hits, but it was only 45 pitches. Unless he has a setback I would think he’ll be on the post season roster, although probably in the bullpen.
Ohtani definitely can’t carry the offense by himself. Odds are that Freddie or Mookie (or hopefully both) will revert back to their normal play and contribute this year.
There is no clear “best team” out there this year, although if I had to place a bet, my money would probably go to the Phillies. As they say, “that’s why they have to play the games”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am a big fan of consistency. Currently I don’t quite understand the fixation on the very erratic Buehler. I hope they don’t use Miller. Not sure why they like Buehler over Knack as I look at today and tomorrow and not what he might do maybe…Potential in baseball can be a curse. Baseball is 70-80% pitching. Dodgers have a great bullpen. I don’t believe this team has the rotation pitching to win the championship. Although I agree in the NL there doesn’t appear to be a super team. Hopefully Ohtani and spark the very inconsistent offense. They beat up on poor pitching.
LikeLike
They may beat up on poor pitching, but you see far less poor pitching in the post season……………..unless you’re playing the Dodgers.
LikeLike
Buehler did a great job in his last start. And I trust Buehler a lot more than I do the erratic Miller. Plus, Buehler has big game mentality. Miller has a very fragile ego. Dodgers sent Casparius to the AZL Dodgers and called up Wrobleski.
LikeLike
Yamamoto and Flaherty are going to have to be lights out for the Dodgers to make a deep playoff run. Just have to hope the offense doesn’t disappear like last year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It will be on the pitching. The offense is going to have to stay potent. No one offensive player can win it on their own, but one getting hot could make a huge difference. So far this season, we are not seeing the real Freddie Freeman. But considering all he has been through this season; it is amazing that he is doing as well as he is. One thing is for sure, they are going to need the stars to play like stars. Not disappear like they did last year. As for Walker, Buehler looked off his last start, but he still got them through 5.1 innings and kept them in the game. The defense did him no favors. They were down 4-3 when he left. The bullpen gave up those 2 runs late and that was it. He will have to pitch better, but he has a lot of bulldog in him. If he has his control and location down, his stuff is still good enough to get hitters out. Miller is still a head case. He shouldn’t pitch until next year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re going to need 3 starters for the first series.
We currently have 4 candidates. Barring injury, Flaherty is one of them.
I would think YY is a second one, even if he has another poor outing next time out…………….unless he’s injured.
The third spot will come down to Buehler or Knack. Based on results, Knack deserves it, but as you frequently point out, Dodger brass loves their veterans, so I’m thinking if Walker has another outing at least as good as his last one (or preferably better) he’ll be number three and Knack will go to the bullpen as a long man or piggyback guy.
In spite of his decent start at OKC the other day, I don’t expect to see Miller on the playoff roster.
LikeLiked by 1 person