Dodgers trail Brewers 3-0 in NLCS as ownership investigations continue
Los Angeles falls behind 3-0 to Milwaukee in the National League Championship Series, while federal investigations into owner Mark Walter's business dealings add further uncertainty.
Los Angeles – The Dodgers fell 6-2 to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series, putting them behind 3-0 in the best-of-seven series and leaving their postseason fate in doubt. The series could conclude on Thursday, Oct. 15, or shortly thereafter.
The Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission are conducting parallel investigations into Mark Walter, the controlling owner of the Dodgers, regarding potential financial irregularities at two insurance companies he controls and at Guggenheim Partners, where he serves as chief executive officer, according to Bloomberg. The DOJ has confirmed the investigation, and Walter's companies have said they are cooperating.
In August, Walter agreed to sell his controlling stake in the Los Angeles Lakers for a reported $12.5 billion, and in September he and partner Todd Boehly sold a roughly 13 % share in Chelsea Football Club for more than $1 billion, as reported by the Financial Times. Dodgers CEO Stan Kasten has stated that the Dodgers are not for sale.
Major League Baseball is also considering a hard salary cap, a change that could affect the Dodgers' payroll flexibility and potentially lead to labor disputes.
After the Dodgers defeated the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS, manager Dave Roberts praised his team, saying, "> There's no more talented team than the Los Angeles Dodgers. It's the best organization in sports, top to bottom. We're smarter, we're better, and we're tougher."
The team’s performance has been challenged by injuries, including Shohei Ohtani’s left-knee issue that ended his pitching in July and subsequent right-bicep and neck problems that placed him on the injured list in September. Ohtani contributed a single and reached base twice in Game 3.
The podcast "Pablo Torre Finds Out" has reported alleged self-dealing related to the 2012 purchase of the Dodgers by Walter and Guggenheim Partners for $2.15 billion, which the parties have denied.