Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has indicated he is open to moving Shohei Ohtani lower in the batting order ahead of Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves.
The Dodgers, currently trailing the Braves 1-2 in the best-of-five series, are facing elimination if they lose Game 3. Ohtani, who has batted first or second in every game he has started for the Dodgers over the past three seasons, has struggled in the postseason. Roberts acknowledged Ohtani is not fully healthy following knee and arm injuries and has not produced as expected. The Dodgers are batting .161 through the first two games of the series.
Roberts stated he would consider moving Ohtani from the top two spots in the lineup, though he emphasized any decision would be discussed with Ohtani first. Potential alternatives include starting Kiké Hernández or Miguel Rojas, both of whom have performed well against left-handed pitching. The Braves are scheduled to start Chris Sale, a left-handed ace, in Game 3.
Dodgers' Offensive Struggles and Strategic Adjustments
The Dodgers' offense has been heavily reliant on home runs in the series, scoring all runs via long balls in the first two games. However, Roberts noted that manufacturing runs is more sustainable than relying solely on home runs. The team’s lack of production has raised questions about lineup optimization, particularly with Ohtani’s health and performance in question.
Roberts confirmed that Max Muncy and Tommy Edman, who have struggled against Sale, might not start. Andy Pages, who was benched late in the 2025 World Series after a poor performance, is also hitless in seven at-bats this series. The Dodgers’ lineup flexibility could be key to overcoming their offensive woes.
Braves Seek to Capitalize on Dodgers' Weaknesses
The Braves, leading the series 2-1, are in a strong position to advance. Sale, who has been dominant at home this season with a 1.66 ERA in Truist Park, is expected to limit the Dodgers' scoring. The Braves have also shown resilience, taking Game 2 after losing Game 1.
If the Dodgers lose Game 3, they would face a must-win Game 4 and potentially a decisive Game 5. The Braves, meanwhile, would need to win just one of the final two games to advance. The series remains tightly contested, with both teams having opportunities to control their fate.