Column: Shohei Ohtani was supposed to fix the Dodgers’ postseason woes. So why hasn’t he?
SAN DIEGO — This year would be different.
This year would be about winning a postseason series.
This year would be the year the best player in baseball made sure of it.
Or not.
Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers are on the verge of elimination from the National League Division Series. The San Diego Padres beat the Dodgers on Tuesday, 6-5, so the Dodgers either win two straight games or lose in their first round for the third straight season.
Ten years ago, the best player in baseball led a Southern California team into the playoffs. He would be voted his league’s most valuable player, unanimously.
He was Mike Trout, and his Angels would be eliminated in the first round. In his postseason debut, Trout had one hit in three games — a home run — in 12 at-bats. He reached base four times.
Ohtani should be voted his league’s most valuable player, unanimously.
However, in his postseason debut, Ohtani has three hits — including one home run — in 13 at-bats. He has reached base three times.
