MLB2d ago
Dodgers Drop Ohtani to Fifth in Lineup for NLDS Game 3
Manager adjusts batting order to counter Braves left-hander in tied best-of-five series
By OddsListing wire desk
· 2 min read
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Lineup Adjustment for Tuesday Night
The Dodgers altered their batting order for Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the Braves, placing designated hitter Shohei Ohtani in the fifth spot. Manager Dave Roberts described the change as a single-game decision to present a different approach against left-hander Chris Sale. Mookie Betts leads off and Freddie Freeman bats second, marking the lowest position for Ohtani since 2020.
Rationale Behind the Move
Roberts noted that the top of the order offers strong potential to reach base and create opportunities for Ohtani later in the inning. The adjustment comes after the series stands tied at one game apiece. Roberts emphasized the change targets the matchup with Sale specifically and carries no broader implications for future games.
Recent Performance and Context
Ohtani finished the regular season with a.275 average along with 30 home runs and 81 runs batted in. He collected two hits and struck out twice across eight at-bats in the first two games of the series. Ohtani appeared in the final five regular-season games after a two-week absence, going 5 for 21 with one extra-base hit, eight strikeouts and one walk. Roberts indicated Ohtani will not remain in the fifth spot for Game 4 against right-hander Tyler Mahle.
Braves Slugger Faces Similar Challenges
Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr. has gone 3 for 18 without a home run in the postseason and 2 for 9 in the first two games of the series. Manager Walt Weiss kept Acuña in the second spot but shifted him to designated hitter, inserting Lane Thomas in right field. Weiss attributed the struggles to normal postseason fluctuations and expressed confidence in an impending turnaround.
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