Shohei Ohtani struggled out of the gate in the postseason last year, but this October’s slump feels different.

The four-time MVP missed a portion of September with knee issues that first popped up during the summer, and he just doesn’t look quite right as he approaches two months since his last home run.

With the Dodgers now facing a 2-0 deficit in the NLCS, manager Dave Roberts admitted he could be forced into a difficult decision for Game 3.

Here’s what you need to know.

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Could Dodgers bench Shohei Ohtani in Game 3?

Roberts told The Athletic after Monday’s Game 2 loss that Ohtani “doesn’t feel great,” adding that he will have a conversation with the superstar on Tuesday to “figure out what’s best for him, what’s best for us.”

That certainly gives the impression the Dodgers will consider holding Ohtani out of the lineup in Game 3, if not longer, with the slugger’s health at the forefront of the decision as he battles knee trouble.

“He certainly has earned that conversation and deserves it,” Roberts said.

While offense has been hard to come by for the Dodgers in general, Ohtani in particular has been a liability for L.A.; he’s 3-for-20 with seven strikeouts and no home runs through six postseason games. Ohtani struck out twice in a hitless effort in Game 2, and he hasn’t hit a home run since Aug. 18.

The Athletic reports rookie Josue De Paula, who made his debut in September when Ohtani was placed on the IL, would likely be first in line to take the four-time MVP’s place in the lineup as the designated hitter.

The Dodgers need two wins over the Brewers in three home games to keep their season alive.

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