Dodgers must prioritize Shohei Ohtani’s load management, or suffer the consequences

Mirjam Swanson argues that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani must implement a strict load management strategy to keep the two-way superstar healthy. Following the Dodgers' season-ending 6-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the NLCS, Ohtani acknowledged he will evaluate potential offseason knee and biceps treatments while confirming plans to pitch next season.

Swanson stresses that playing through injuries compromised Ohtani, who batted just .192 across eight postseason games despite hitting a three-run homer in Game 4. Manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani's determination, but Swanson contends that both Ohtani and the club must prioritize honest physical communication over pride to preserve their long-term championship aspirations.