⚡ Latest Update • Oct 07, 2026
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Roberts moves struggling Ohtani to No. 5 spot for Game 3
ATLANTA -- Manager Dave Roberts juggled the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup for Tuesday night's crucial Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the Atlanta...
Key points
- ATLANTA -- Manager Dave Roberts juggled the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup for Tuesday night's crucial Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, moving designated hitter Shohei Ohtani to the No.
- 26, Ohtani was 0 for 4 with two strikeouts.
- Roberts said he discussed the lineup move with Ohtani on Monday night and said the four-time MVP "completely understood." Roberts also said: "Ohtani said, 'I was going to come to you in September and say, why don't you hit me seventh?' My point being, he wants to do whatever will help the team.
- It's just for today specifically." Ohtani hit .275 with 30 homers and 81 RBI in the regular season.
What happened
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ATLANTA -- Manager Dave Roberts juggled the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup for Tuesday night's crucial Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, moving designated hitter Shohei Ohtani to the No. 26, Ohtani was 0 for 4 with two strikeouts. Roberts said he discussed the lineup move with Ohtani on Monday night and said the four-time MVP "completely understood." Roberts also said: "Ohtani said, 'I was going to come to you in September and say, why don't you hit me seventh?' My point being, he wants to do whatever will help the team. It's just for today specifically." Ohtani hit .275 with 30 homers and 81 RBI in the regular season. Roberts acknowledged Ohtani has been chasing pitches as he attempts to find his stroke and will continue to see pitches off the plate "until he shows some restraint." Roberts said he does not expect Ohtani to hit fifth in Wednesday's Game 4 against Braves right-hander Tyler Mahle. "I just feel this gives us the best chance to beat the Braves today and combat Sale, to combat what they're going to throw after Sale," Roberts said.