Story perspectives

Dodgers keep Ohtani in Game 3 lineup despite slump

By Drooid · Oct 15, 2026, 2:28 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Roberts Keeps Ohtani

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts kept Shohei Ohtani in the Game 3 lineup despite his slump.
Ohtani is nursing left-knee and biceps injuries and is 3-for-20 (.150) in the postseason.
He has not homered since Aug. 18, extending a 24-game homerless streak.
Roberts moved Ohtani to the sixth spot, his lowest batting order position with the Dodgers.

Summary

Dodgers Promote Tucker

MLB shifted NLCS Game 4 to a 5:00 p.m. PT (8:00 p.m. ET) start on Thursday.
The change followed MLB’s decision to start ALCS Game 3 at 1:00 p.m. ET because of a poor forecast.
Dodgers will start Blake Snell against Robert Gasser in Game 3 at 5:00 p.m. PDT Wednesday.
Dodgers shifted Will Smith to seventh and promoted Kyle Tucker to cleanup.
Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff threw a 31-pitch bullpen session, hinting at a possible World Series roster return.

History

Historical Context

In 1971 the Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles played the first scheduled night World Series game (Game 4) at Three Rivers Stadium, aired in prime time by NBC. That broadcast showed how night slots could lift ratings. MLB now routinely shifts NLCS start times, such as today’s 5 p.m. PT Game 4, to maximize fan access and revenue.

1 of 3

Roberts Keeps Ohtani

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts kept Shohei Ohtani in the Game 3 lineup despite his slump.
Ohtani is nursing left-knee and biceps injuries and is 3-for-20 (.150) in the postseason.
He has not homered since Aug. 18, extending a 24-game homerless streak.
Roberts moved Ohtani to the sixth spot, his lowest batting order position with the Dodgers.

1 / 3