Roberts Says Ohtani Will Play in NLCS Game 3

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that Shohei Ohtani will remain in the lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, after Ohtani told him he felt well enough to play. The Dodgers, trailing 2-0 in the best-of-seven series, are scheduled to host the game Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. Roberts said Ohtani was adamant he could contribute. Ohtani said his symptoms had subdued, and that they should not be the reason he cannot hit. Roberts said the conversation focused on whether Ohtani felt able to perform, and denied that he had considered benching him simply because of his recent results. The manager said Ohtani could bat anywhere from second to sixth. He has moved down the order during the postseason as the Dodgers seek more production from an offense that has struggled against Milwaukee. The team’s lineup decision resolves whether Ohtani will play Wednesday, but does not establish his batting position. Ohtani has three hits, all singles, in 20 postseason at-bats through six games, for a .150 average. He has struck out seven times and has no extra-base hits.