The Los Angeles Dodgers landed in an awkward position Monday. The Milwaukee Brewers jumped to a 2-0 lead thanks to the relief pitchers shutting down LA's bats in the 7-4 victory. But now fans have this demand: Seeing Josue De Paula get a new chance.
The designated hitter endured his struggles against the Atlanta Braves. This despite LA winning that series to advance in the MLB Playoffs.
But fans now believe de Paula should receive the call from manager Dave Roberts.
“The Dodgers aren’t even trying and they have a chance to make history. Josue De Paula should 100 percent be in the lineup,” one fan posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter.
Another fan believes De Paula can relace Shohei Ohtani, who's struggled generating offense in this series.
“Needs to be serious conversations with Shohei during tomorrow’s off day. He is a complete zero at the plate with the injuries and Josue De Paula is a true spark plug that needs to be in the lineup,” another fan shared.
One more fan believes “enough is enough” and that Roberts must make the lineup change involving De Paula.
Risk involved with sitting Shohei Ohtani
But sitting Ohtani comes with big risks for the back-to-back World Series champs. Ohtani is the league's two-time Most Valuable Player and a big reason why LA has claimed the last two World Series titles.
Yet he's clearly looked ineffective and nothing like his past dominating self. Ohtani struggled to smack one hit facing the Brewers' relief crew after the sixth inning. Now the Dodgers are two losses away from watching someone else win the World Series.
So Roberts faces a tough dilemma. His biggest decision yet during this postseason run. But Ohtani isn't playing at 100 percent and De Paula can earn a chance to show why he was worth adding to the hitting lineup.