Dodgers Move Ohtani to Fifth for NLDS Game 3

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts moved Shohei Ohtani to fifth in the batting order for Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, describing the change as a one-game adjustment for the matchup with left-hander Chris Sale. The pregame reports did not establish whether the move would improve Ohtani’s hitting or the Dodgers’ chances. The best-of-five series was tied 1-1 before Game 3 on Tuesday, October 6. Ohtani had two hits in eight at-bats across the first two games. His move to fifth was his lowest lineup position since 2020, when he played for the Los Angeles Angels, and his lowest as a Dodger. Mookie Betts was set to lead off, followed by Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernández and Will Smith. Roberts said the lineup change was intended to give Los Angeles a different look against Sale, not to signal a lasting change in Ohtani’s role. He said he had discussed the decision with Ohtani, who understood it and had joked that he might ask to bat seventh during his September slump. Roberts said he did not expect Ohtani to bat fifth in Game 4 against right-hander Tyler Mahle.