Ohtani Moves Down the Dodgers Lineup
Shohei Ohtani is no longer batting near the top of the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup.
Manager Dave Roberts moved Ohtani to the No. 5 spot for Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, marking the lowest place he has occupied in a starting lineup since 2020, when he was still with the Los Angeles Angels. The change comes with the Dodgers and Braves tied 1-1 in the best-of-five series.
Roberts described the decision as a one-game adjustment rather than a permanent demotion. The Dodgers wanted a different look against Braves left-hander Chris Sale, who has historically given Ohtani trouble.
Chris Sale Has Been a Difficult Matchup
The matchup played a major role in Tuesday’s decision.
When Sale faced the Dodgers on Aug. 26, he shut them out in a 1-0 victory. Ohtani went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts that night. In his career against Sale, Ohtani entered Game 3 just 3-for-15 without a home run and with one RBI.
With Mookie Betts moving into the leadoff position and Freddie Freeman hitting second, Roberts placed Teoscar Hernández and Will Smith ahead of Ohtani as well. The idea was to create more chances for Ohtani later in innings rather than asking him to immediately set the tone at the top.
Ohtani Has Struggled at the Worst Possible Time
The timing of the lineup change makes it especially significant.
Ohtani finished the regular season with impressive overall numbers, hitting .275 with 30 home runs and 81 RBIs. But his production dropped sharply late in the year, particularly after returning from injuries affecting his left knee and right biceps.
Over his final 18 regular-season games, Ohtani hit just .157 without a home run and recorded only one RBI. He also entered the postseason still trying to regain his timing at the plate after missing time because of his injuries.
The Dodgers Still Trust Their Superstar
Despite the slump, Roberts has not suggested that the Dodgers have lost faith in Ohtani.
The manager spoke with Ohtani about the lineup change before Game 3, and Ohtani reportedly understood the reasoning. Roberts also indicated that the move was designed around the particular challenge posed by Sale rather than as a broad judgment about Ohtani’s value.
That distinction matters because Ohtani has spent virtually his entire Dodgers career hitting first or second. Moving him to fifth represents a significant tactical change, but it also puts him in the middle of a lineup capable of creating traffic ahead of him.
Dodgers Need Ohtani to Break Through
The Dodgers entered Game 3 knowing their margin for error had become smaller. After winning the opener, Los Angeles lost Game 2 by a 3-2 score, leaving the series level and putting added pressure on Tuesday’s matchup.
Ohtani’s role remains one of the biggest storylines. He went 1-for-4 in each of the first two games, but the Dodgers need more from their most dangerous offensive player if they are going to advance.
Batting fifth could actually give Ohtani a different kind of opportunity. Instead of beginning innings with empty bases, he could come to the plate with runners aboard and the top of the order already having seen Sale.
FAQ
Why did the Dodgers move Ohtani to No. 5?
Dave Roberts said the change was mainly a one-game adjustment for the matchup against Chris Sale. Ohtani has struggled against the Braves left-hander in previous meetings.
When was the last time Ohtani hit fifth or lower?
Ohtani had not hit fifth or lower in a starting lineup since 2020, during his time with the Los Angeles Angels.
Is Ohtani injured?
Ohtani has dealt with left knee inflammation and a right biceps issue this season. He has continued playing, but the Dodgers have acknowledged that he has not been completely healthy.
