Full Breakdown
Ohtani Remains in Dodgers Lineup for NLCS Game 3
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Core Event: Dodgers Keep Slumping Ohtani in Game 3
On October 13, 2026, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani will stay in the starting lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The decision follows a 7-4 loss in Game 2 that left the Dodgers trailing the series 2-0.
Background & Context
- Injuries: Ohtani has dealt with left-knee inflammation since June and right-biceps soreness that placed him on the injured list in September. He has not pitched since July 3, 2026.
- Regular-season production: .275/.377/.512 slash line, 30 home runs, 85 2/3 innings pitched with a 1.79 ERA.
- Postseason slump: 3-for-20 (.150) with no extra-base hits, seven strikeouts, one RBI since August 18, 2026.
Data & Statistics
- NLCS batting: .150 average, .261 on-base, .150 slugging (3 hits, 7 K, 1 RBI).
- Home-run drought: 24 games without a homer, the longest stretch of his career.
- Pitching: 85 2/3 innings, 1.79 ERA; notable 10-strikeout, three-homer game in the 2025 NLCS.
Official Statements & Responses
- Dave Roberts said Ohtani “feels good enough” and that their conversation left him “excited… I’m all about it.”
- Shohei Ohtani, speaking through interpreter Will Ireton, took “full responsibility” for the results and noted that “the symptoms have subdued a lot.”
Why It Matters / Impact
Trailing 2-0, the Dodgers face a 16.8 % historical chance of winning a best-of-seven series after such a deficit, dropping to 15.6 % when the first two games are lost on the road. Game 3 at Dodger Stadium is a pivotal moment to avoid a 3-0 hole that would make a comeback statistically unlikely. Keeping Ohtani preserves the team’s most potent offensive weapon, but his slump could limit run production.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Decision status: The Athletic and ESPN reported Roberts was “considering” benching Ohtani, while the Los Angeles Times and USA Today quoted Roberts on October 13 as having already decided to keep him in the lineup.
- Batting average: Sources list .150 (ESPN, USA Today), .157, and .156. All agree on zero home runs and limited extra-base hits.
- Medical details: Roberts acknowledged uncertainty about the specific diagnoses of Ohtani’s knee and biceps injuries; no precise medical information has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s adamant he feels good enough to be in there,” — Dave Roberts
- “The symptoms shouldn't be the reason why I can't hit,” — Shohei Ohtani
- “The results, I take full responsibility,” — Shohei Ohtani