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Ivory CoastDodgers Put Shohei Ohtani Back at Leadoff Facing Elimination
Down 3-0 in the NLCS, the Dodgers are moving Shohei Ohtani to the top of the order for Game 4 against the Brewers.
A shakeup with season on the line
The Los Angeles Dodgers face elimination, trailing 3-0 against the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series. Only one team in baseball history has ever come back from that deficit. Facing sudden elimination, manager Dave Roberts decided to shake up his batting order.
Shohei Ohtani is back in the leadoff spot for Game 4. The Brewers are starting lefty Shane Drohan, making this the first time Ohtani has led off against a lefty since Sept. 2. Roberts did not give his designated hitter advance notice about the switch. Roberts joked that he simply posted the lineup.
Signs of life at the plate
Roberts had planned to give Ohtani a rest during Tuesday workout. Ohtani fought to play. Roberts said Ohtani was adamant and convicted that he was close to fixing his swing mechanics.
Ohtani showed positive signs during a 6-2 loss on Wednesday. He reached base on a walk and a hit by pitch, lined a 113.5 mph single up the middle, and hit a fly ball to the opposite field. Ohtani had batted sixth in Game 3, his lowest starting spot since 2020. That came after batting second against lefties when he returned from the injured list on Sept. 23, and hitting fourth and fifth during the Division Series.
Looking for power
The Dodgers need offense quickly. Los Angeles has managed only two extra-base hits through three games in this series. Their .572 OPS this postseason ranks 240th out of the 246 teams that have played at least seven games in a single postseason.
Ohtani has shared those struggles. He has four singles in 22 playoff at-bats and has not hit a home run since Aug. 18. Roberts believes extra plate appearances can turn things around. Roberts explained that Ohtani stayed until 9 o'clock working on his swing two nights ago, giving the manager confidence to put him in the top spot for up to five at-bats.
What it means for the next game
Milwaukee Brewers at Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB, Fri, 16 Oct): Los Angeles Dodgers win 54%, Milwaukee Brewers win 46%; projected score Los Angeles Dodgers 4, Milwaukee Brewers 4. Our safest pick: Brewers +3.5.
Milwaukee Brewers at Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB, Sat, 17 Oct): Los Angeles Dodgers win 49%, Milwaukee Brewers win 51%; projected score Los Angeles Dodgers 4, Milwaukee Brewers 4. Our safest pick: Brewers +2.5.
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