Full Breakdown
Dodgers Drop Ohtani to Sixth Spot in NLCS Game 3 Lineup
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Lineup Shift Amid a 2-0 Deficit
Facing a 2-0 series hole against the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers moved superstar two-way player Shohei Ohtani from the cleanup position to the No. 6 spot for Game 3. The change marks the lowest spot Ohtani has occupied in the order since joining the Dodgers three seasons ago. The Dodgers hope the adjustment will balance the lineup against left-handed starter Robert Gasser and spark a comeback.
Background & Context
Ohtani entered the postseason with lingering left-knee inflammation and right-biceps soreness that limited his pitching after July 3, 2026. He spent 12 days on the injured list in September and returned as a designated hitter, but his swing has remained “off-balance,” according to post-game observations. In the 2025 NLCS, Ohtani delivered a historic Game 4 performance—three home runs and ten strikeouts—but this year he has been unable to replicate that impact. Dodgers management considered benching him after a 0-for-4, two-strikeout outing in Game 2.
Data & Statistics
- Postseason batting line: .150 (3-for-20) over six games, OPS .411, zero home runs, zero RBIs.
- Strikeouts: seven; walks: three; stolen bases: one.
- Last home run: August 18, 2026.
- Injuries: left-knee inflammation, right-biceps discomfort.
- Slump: 24 consecutive games without a home run, the longest of Ohtani’s career.
These figures are reported consistently across team releases and league coverage.
Official Statements & Responses
Roberts described the lineup move as a balance decision, aiming to “separate the lefties, the righties” and make it harder for the Brewers to navigate the order.
Criticism & Opposition
Brewers manager Pat Murphy noted Ohtani’s slump coincides with left-arm-slot pitcher Robert Gasser, who has historically dominated Ohtani (0-7 career record). The Brewers staff highlighted the difficulty of “getting ahead in the count” against such a pitcher, suggesting that Ohtani’s recent production may not improve without a tactical adjustment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some outlets reported a “lubricant injection” to the left knee, while others referenced only “pain” in the biceps. The exact nature and severity of the ailments remain unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s adamant he feels good enough to be in there,” — Dave Roberts, manager
- “The results, I take full responsibility,” — Shohei Ohtani
- “I couldn’t imagine really having the expectations that he has and falling short in a way that it’s not normal for him,” — Mookie Betts
What’s Next
Game 3 is scheduled for October 14, 2026, with a 5:00 p.m. PDT start at Dodger Stadium. Left-handed pitcher Blake Snell will start for Los Angeles, while Robert Gasser will take the mound for Milwaukee. The outcome will determine whether the Dodgers can avoid a 3-0 series deficit and set up a potential Game 4 start for Snell on Thursday.