Dodgers move Ohtani to fifth for matchup against Sale
With the NL Division Series level at one game apiece, Dave Roberts reshuffled the Dodgers’ order to spread left-handed hitters against Atlanta starter Chris Sale.
The Los Angeles Dodgers moved Shohei Ohtani to fifth in the batting order for Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves. Manager Dave Roberts said the decision was based on the matchup with left-hander Chris Sale and his plan to spread left-handed hitters through the order.
Freddie Freeman was placed second and Kyle Tucker eighth. Roberts said the arrangement gave the Dodgers their best chance against Sale and the pitching expected after him, describing the move as a decision for that game rather than a reflection of confidence in any player.
Ohtani had two hits and two strikeouts in eight at-bats across the first two games, with the series tied 1–1. He had also gone five for 21 with one extra-base hit, eight strikeouts and a walk in the final five games of the regular season after returning from a two-week injured-list stint.
Roberts said he did not expect Ohtani to bat fifth in Game 4 against right-hander Tyler Mahle. That was his expectation at the time; the available report does not establish the eventual lineup or Game 3 result.
ESPN reported the lineup change and Roberts’ rationale. Ohtani had hit .275 with 30 home runs and 81 runs batted in during the regular season.
