Michael Wilbon is not holding back. The longtime Pardon the Interruption co-host is absolutely appalled by the way some MLB reporters have covered the Dodgers' recent struggles, particularly the chatter surrounding Shohei Ohtani's spot in the lineup heading into Game 3 of the NLCS.
For those who missed it, Ohtani has been mired in a slump, hitting just around .230 over his last 21 at-bats, with no home runs since August. That led some reporters to wonder aloud whether the Dodgers might consider benching the superstar. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts even entertained the question, saying he'd have a conversation with Ohtani about what's best for the team.
But Wilbon isn't buying any of it. On today's PTI, he ripped into the media for taking what he calls the "bait" on the benching narrative.
"It was never a consideration of pulling him out of the damn lineup," Wilbon said. "This is what's awful about today's 'reporting.' That people have no sense of skepticism. They're just like lap dogs. And whatever people say into a microphone, they take."
Wilbon went on to compare the situation to Cal Ripken Jr. during the Orioles' World Series run, arguing that no one would have seriously suggested benching a player of that caliber. "Shohei Ohtani was never leaving the lineup," he added. "He is hurt, and you gotta go with him. He's Shohei. It's the greatest player in baseball."
Fans seem to be split on the issue. Some agree with Wilbon, saying the speculation was overblown. Others, however, point out that from a pure baseball strategy standpoint, moving Ohtani down in the order—or even sitting him—might not be the craziest idea given his recent production.
"Ohtani isn't coming out because of pride and politics but from a baseball strategy standpoint benching him would be best for the lineup," one fan wrote. "It's not that insane of a take they keep moving him down the order."
Another fan added, "Michael Wilbon is wrong about a lot of things, but not this. Most sports reporters are just shills, too afraid of losing access to challenge the teams, leagues and networks they're supposed to cover."
Regardless of the debate, Ohtani remains in the lineup for Game 3, as the Dodgers face a 2-0 series deficit against the Brewers. Wilbon's frustration echoes a broader criticism of modern sports journalism, a topic he's been vocal about before. His long-running partnership with Tony Kornheiser has often featured such rants, and it's clear he's not backing down from this one.
For now, the Dodgers are hoping Ohtani can snap out of his slump and help them claw back into the series. Whether he does or not, Wilbon's message is clear: don't expect the greatest player in baseball to be riding the pine.
