Dodgers considering huge Shohei Ohtani decision that would likely end MVP bid

The vibes around the Los Angeles Dodgers right now aren't the greatest. While they're likely still the World Series favorites due to the superteam they've assembled, the offense is struggling, and now Shohei Ohtani doesn't look right.

He was clearly not 100% during the Dodgers' loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. That should have Dodgers fans worried. Dave Roberts echoed that concern, saying the team is considering a major decision with Ohtani.

According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, the Dodgers shutting down Ohtani from pitching for the rest of the season is "on the table." Not only would this be a blow to the Dodgers' postseason chances, but it would likely end Ohtani's MVP bid.

Dodgers shutting down Shohei Ohtani is 'on the table'

"Dave Roberts said the possibility of shutting down Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher for the season is on the table, but the Dodgers aren't to the point yet where they have to or will make that decision," Ardaya reports.

While the Dodgers have not made the decision to shut Ohtani down from pitching again this season, the fact that it's under consideration is a bad sign.

It's clear he isn't 100% right now, and with under a month to go before the postseason begins, the Dodgers might be better off playing it as safe as possible with Ohtani.

He was shut down from returning to the mound not too long ago, and now a full-blown shutdown is potentially in play.

MORE: Kevin McGonigle is runaway favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year for Tigers

Such a decision would very likely end his 2026 MVP bid. As good as he has been, with 6.5 bWAR between his hitting and pitching value with 30 homers, a .906 OPS and a 1.79 ERA in 85.2 innings, he's currently having a rough end to 2026.

He was the first-half MVP by a considerable margin, but now there is a good chance that Ohtani loses the NL MVP award to Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs.

That becomes all the more likely if Ohtani cannot return to the mound, which seems fairly likely considering the Dodgers shutting him down is "on the table" right now, according to Roberts.

If they do shut him down, then Ohtani's MVP bid would likely end, which would be a huge shame considering a fourth-straight MVP award seemed like a lock this season back in July.

More MLB news:

• Jose Berrios ‘extremely unlikely’ to opt out of $48 million deal with Blue Jays
• Bo Bichette likely not to opt out of Mets $42 million contract
• Yankees predicted to get Aaron Judge back soon, but with a catch
• How Reds' Sal Stewart has MLB history on his side for NL Rookie of the Year award
• Phillies' Jesus Luzardo on track to be best road pitcher in MLB history since 1913