Dodgers manager Dave Roberts moved Shohei Ohtani to the fifth spot in the NLDS Game 3 lineup, the lowest he has batted since 2020, as the team faces Braves lefty Chris Sale. Ohtani is 2-for-8 with two strikeouts in the series, struggling to find his power stroke amid lingering injuries.
Shohei Ohtani’s role in the Dodgers’ National League Division Series against the Braves has shifted dramatically, with manager Dave Roberts moving the four-time MVP to the fifth spot in the lineup for Game 3. This marked the first time since 2020 that Ohtani, who has batted first or second in every game he has started with Los Angeles, was not in the top two. The decision came after Ohtani’s slow start in the series, hitting .250 with two strikeouts in two games, and his ongoing struggles to find his power stroke.
Ohtani’s Lineup Shift and Struggles
Roberts cited Ohtani’s elevated chase rate and his attempt to find his power stroke
as key factors in the move. He’s very in tune with what’s being said, what he hasn’t done,
Roberts said, noting that Ohtani’s approach has been more aggressive than usual. Ohtani has swung at the first pitch in 62.5% of his 2026 NLDS plate appearances, compared to a 17% chase rate in Game 1 against the Braves. The move also aimed to spread left-handed hitters in the lineup against Sale, with Freddie Freeman in the second spot and Kyle Tucker eighth.
Ohtani’s performance this season has been hampered by injuries, including a right biceps strain and left knee issues that kept him on the injured list for two weeks. Despite returning in September, he has not been at full strength, hitting .275 with 30 home runs and 81 RBIs.
Ohtani’s struggles have drawn attention from former players, including Trevor Plouffe, who suggested Ohtani should bat fourth instead. However, Roberts remains focused on the team’s needs, noting that Ohtani’s health is “not 100%” but that he can still do a better job of staying in the strike zone.
Roberts also acknowledged that Ohtani’s recent approach has been “too aggressive,” with 53% of his swings coming on pitches out of the zone in Game 2, compared to 17% in Game 1.
Manager’s Confidence and Ohtani’s Response
Ohtani’s reaction to the move was described as “good” by Roberts, who noted that the player has been very in tune with what’s being said
about his performance. Roberts also noted that Ohtani’s willingness to adapt reflects his extremely high competitor
mindset, even as he grapples with physical limitations.
Dodgers’ Playoff Strategy Adjustments
Despite Ohtani’s lack of production, the team secured a 3-1 win, demonstrating that they can compete without his usual impact. We all understand that Sale’s going to be tough,
Roberts said. But the guys I feel at the top have a good chance to get on base.
Ohtani’s performance has also raised questions about his ability to carry the team in the postseason. However, Roberts remains optimistic, citing Ohtani’s physical conditioning and past ability to turn things around. I do think that’s possible,
Roberts said, referencing Ohtani’s 2023 NLCS Game 4 masterpiece, where he hit three home runs and pitched six scoreless innings.
The Dodgers’ lineup adjustments also included benching infielders Max Muncy (0-for-7 against Sale) and Tommy Edman (0-for-11 against Sale), while center fielder Andy Pages, who was benched in the World Series, remained hitless in seven at-bats. Roberts defended his decision, stating, I’m gonna continue to give Andy leash,
though he acknowledged Pages’ struggles. The move highlighted the team’s focus on matchups against Sale, with Roberts noting, This is really specific to Sale.
What’s Next for Ohtani and the Dodgers
Until we show some discipline, they’re going to continue to kind of use that playbook,
Roberts said, referring to the Braves’ approach to Ohtani.
For Ohtani, the challenge is clear: adapt to the postseason pressure while managing his physical limitations. He’s doing the best he can,
Roberts said. He’s very in tune with what’s being said, what he hasn’t done.
As the series moves to Atlanta, the Dodgers will look to Ohtani to rediscover his form, even as they prepare for the possibility of a long, grueling playoff run. The next game, Game 4, features RHP Tyler Glasnow for the Dodgers against RHP Tyler Mahle for the Braves, set for Wednesday at 3 p.m. PT.