The Dodgers anticipate a healthier Shohei Ohtani leading their lineup into the postseason. After a two-week IL stint due to right biceps and left knee issues, Ohtani played in the final five regular-season games, finishing 5 for 21 with an extra-base hit. With five days of rest before Game 1, manager Dave Roberts expects Ohtani to refine his hitting stroke.

Roberts noted Ohtani is "as healthy as he's been in quite some time." Despite a regular-season .275 average with 30 home runs, Ohtani battled a late-season slump, batting .198 with 34 strikeouts in 24 games before the IL. Roberts plans to have Ohtani take live at-bats off the Trajekt machine this week. The team remains optimistic about his performance ahead of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium.