The Los Angeles Dodgers were eliminated from the 2026 postseason on Thursday, October 15, after a 6-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series. The sweep concludes a season defined by persistent injuries to Shohei Ohtani and a failure to reach a third consecutive World Series.
Game 4 Performance and the End of a Three-Peat Bid
The Dodgers entered Thursday night facing a 3-0 series deficit, hoping to spark a comeback by returning Shohei Ohtani to the leadoff spot. The move initially appeared successful in the second inning when Ohtani hit a three-run home run off Dustin May. The 428-foot blast was Ohtani’s first home run since August 18 and gave the Dodgers a 4-0 lead. However, the offense stalled afterward, finishing the game 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
Milwaukee responded by scoring six unanswered runs. Jake Bauers drove in two with a ground-rule double in the fourth inning, while David Hamilton and Garrett Mitchell added key hits to complete the comeback. The victory sends the Brewers to their first World Series appearance since 1982, while the Dodgers are left to process the end of their pursuit of a third straight championship.
Ohtani’s Physical Struggles and 2026 Season Impact
Throughout the latter half of the season, Ohtani’s effectiveness was hampered by knee inflammation and bicep discomfort. These injuries forced the team to shut him down as a pitcher on July 3, ending his season on the mound with an 8-2 record and a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts. The impact of his physical condition extended to the plate, where he entered the NLCS in a deep slump.
Following the Game 4 loss, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed Ohtani’s emotional reaction to his second-inning home run. It was a release of built-up anger and frustration,
Roberts said. Roberts further emphasized his support for the star, adding, I’ll always trust Shohei. I think he’s the best player on the planet, and he’s not completely healthy. But I just give him a lot of respect for not running from it.
Ohtani fought through lingering physical limitations throughout the postseason as the squad tried to capture another title. Dodgers executive Stan Kasten noted the importance of the club to ownership in August, highlighting owner Mark Walter’s investment in the franchise. The Dodgers’ roster, which had secured championships in 2024 and 2025, ended its pursuit of a third straight title after being swept by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2026 National League Championship Series. Despite a challenging summer that revealed vulnerabilities across both the bullpen and the starting rotation, the club remained a powerhouse backed by the sport’s highest payroll.
During the summer months, the team mostly deferred to Ohtani’s personal assessment of his health rather than sitting him for extended recovery periods. That approach kept him in the lineup on an everyday basis as a designated hitter after his final pitching appearance on July 3. As the calendar turned to September and the postseason arrived, the toll of playing a full 162-game schedule became apparent across baseball, with several star hitters experiencing late-season fatigue and offensive dips.
Offseason Outlook and Future Two-Way Status
As the offseason begins, Ohtani faces uncertainty regarding his health and the necessity of surgical intervention. When asked about the possibility of surgery to address his injuries, Ohtani told reporters it is hard to tell at this point.
Despite the physical toll of the 2026 campaign, Ohtani confirmed his intention to return to the mound in 2027.
The Dodgers, who operated with a total payroll cost of $339 million, now face a period of evaluation. The organization must determine how to balance his desire to remain a two-way player with the long-term physical risks demonstrated this year. Reflecting on the season, Ohtani expressed a desire for improvement: And although we fell short and definitely disappointed, I want to use this as a catalyst to have a better season as a team, too.
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