Dodgers move struggling Shohei Ohtani to No. 5 in lineup
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts moved Shohei Ohtani to the No. 5 spot in the lineup for Game 3 of the NLDS against the Braves, his lowest since 2020, aiming to better match up against Braves left-hander Chris Sale.
- Ohtani has struggled recently, hitting .275 with 30 homers in the season but going 2-for-8 with two strikeouts in the first two NLDS games and showing signs of chasing pitches after returning from injury.
- Roberts emphasized the lineup change was a strategic move to maximize the team's chances against Sale and not a reflection of confidence in Ohtani, expecting a different lineup for Game 4.
- Braves slugger Ronald Acuña Jr. is also in a slump, hitting 3-for-18 in the postseason, but manager Walt Weiss kept him at No. 2 in the lineup, moving him to designated hitter to manage his performance.
- Both teams face pitching challenges with top pitchers on the mound, highlighting the importance of strategic lineup adjustments in this closely contested playoff series.
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