Dave Roberts keeps Shohei Ohtani in Dodgers' NLCS Game 3 lineup despite postseason struggles: news

Dave Roberts Keeps Shohei Ohtani in Dodgers’ NLCS Game 3 Lineup Despite Postseason Struggles

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that designated hitter Shohei Ohtani will remain in the starting lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Milwaukee Brewers, despite an extended postseason slump.

High Stakes at Dodger Stadium

The Dodgers return to Dodger Stadium in a critical position, trailing 2-0 in the best-of-seven series. Following an 0-for-4 showing with two strikeouts in Game 2, discussions arose regarding whether the club might bench the superstar DH to shake up an offense that has struggled to produce runs.

Roberts addressed those speculations directly, stating that after conversations with Ohtani, the decision was made to keep his bat in the lineup.

“He’s adamant he feels good enough to be in there. He’s close to finding something with his swing. I feel great about it,” Roberts said. “He wants to be in there and help us win a ballgame and win a championship.”

Ohtani’s Postseason Slump by the Numbers

Ohtani’s recent numbers reflect a rare cold stretch for the perennial MVP candidate:

• Batting Average: .150 (3-for-20) across six playoff games.

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• Extra-Base Hits: 0 extra-base hits and zero RBIs during the current postseason run.

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• Strikeouts: 7 strikeouts in 20 at-bats.

• Power Drought: Ohtani has gone without a home run since mid-August, surpassing 110 plate appearances without a long ball.

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Offensive Impact on the Dodgers’ Postseason Run

Los Angeles has managed just 10 hits across the first two games of the NLCS, leaving the lineup in desperate need of a spark. While top prospect Josue De Paula was considered as an alternative option at designated hitter, the coaching staff opted to rely on Ohtani’s ceiling and game-changing potential.

Game 3 represents a pivotal must-win situation for Los Angeles to avoid falling into a 3-0 deficit, with Roberts maintaining full confidence that Ohtani can break out when the team needs it most.