ATLANTA – In a strategic move for the Los Angeles Dodgers, manager Dave Roberts made a notable adjustment to his lineup for the pivotal Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves. The decision to shift designated hitter Shohei Ohtani to the fifth spot was made in light of facing left-handed pitcher Chris Sale.
Roberts emphasized that this alteration was a one-game decision aimed at providing the Dodgers with a fresh perspective against Sale, who previously dominated the Dodgers in an August matchup, where Ohtani struggled, going 0 for 4 with two strikeouts. Historically, Ohtani has faced Sale with limited success, recording just three hits in 15 at-bats, with no home runs and only one RBI.
As the best-of-five series stood tied at 1-1, Roberts opted for Mookie Betts at leadoff and Freddie Freeman in the second spot, marking the lowest position Ohtani has occupied in the lineup since his tenure with the Angels in 2020.
“We all understand that Sale’s gonna be tough,” said Roberts. He expressed confidence in the top of the lineup, suggesting that getting on base would create favorable situations for Ohtani when it was his turn to bat.
Ohtani, who bats left-handed, had previously batted second in the Dodgers’ previous game, a narrow 3-2 loss to the Braves that evened the series. Roberts assured that he had discussed the lineup change with Ohtani, who was receptive to the idea. “He completely understood,” Roberts explained. He further noted Ohtani’s willingness to contribute in any way that benefits the team, citing a humorous moment when Ohtani suggested he might ask to bat seventh in September.
In the regular season, Ohtani demonstrated impressive stats, hitting .275 with 30 home runs and 81 RBIs. However, he has faced difficulties in the postseason, recording two hits and two strikeouts in eight at-bats across the first two games of the series. After returning from a two-week stint on the injured list, Ohtani’s performance in the final five games of the regular season saw him tally five hits but also accumulate eight strikeouts.
Roberts acknowledged that Ohtani has been chasing pitches outside the zone, indicating a need for the star player to demonstrate more discipline at the plate. He also mentioned that Ohtani might not remain in the fifth spot for Game 4 against Braves right-hander Tyler Mahle, signaling a potential return to a higher batting order position.
“I just feel this gives us the best chance to beat the Braves today and combat Sale, to combat what they’re going to throw after Sale,” Roberts stated, reinforcing the rationale behind his decision. He clarified that the lineup adjustment was not a reflection of a lack of faith in any player but rather a tactical choice to maximize the team’s chances in a short playoff series.
Ohtani is not alone in grappling with postseason pressure; Atlanta Braves’ star Ronald Acuña Jr. is also experiencing a slump, hitting just 3 for 18 in the postseason. Despite this, Braves manager Walt Weiss has maintained Acuña’s spot in the lineup, albeit with a position change from right field to designated hitter. Weiss noted that slumps are a natural part of a season’s ebb and flow, suggesting that Acuña is always on the brink of a significant breakthrough.
As the series unfolds, both teams are keenly aware of the stakes, and strategic adjustments like those made by Roberts could prove pivotal in determining the outcome of this highly competitive playoff matchup.
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