What happened: Ohtani closed the regular season 2-for-12 with five strikeouts over three games at Oracle Park. The Dodgers open the NLDS at home Saturday against the Braves-Phillies winner.
Why it matters: Los Angeles is chasing a third consecutive World Series title and needs four to five competitive at-bats nightly from the leadoff spot. The front office acknowledged Ohtani has not always reported how he feels after right-arm and left-knee issues that led to a 15-day IL stint before returning with five games left.
By the numbers: Final 35 games: .232, 6 HR, 14 RBI. Closing series: 2-for-12, 5 K in 3 games.
What to watch: The Braves-Phillies winner sets Saturday's matchup. Dodgers use the off days to reset Ohtani's timing.