Dodgers Adjust Lineup, Placing Shohei Ohtani in Cleanup Spot for NLDS Game 4
In a strategic move to counter the Braves and spark Ohtani's postseason performance, the Dodgers shift the star hitter to the cleanup position for a potential series-clinching game.
ATLANTA — The Los Angeles Dodgers have made another adjustment to their lineup for Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, moving two-way star Shohei Ohtani to the cleanup spot. This marks the first time Ohtani has batted fourth for the Dodgers this season.
The decision comes as the Dodgers aim to clinch the series and advance to the NL Championship Series. On Tuesday, Ohtani batted fifth in Game 3, the lowest he had hit in the order since the 2020 season with the Angels. The Dodgers won that game, 3-1, taking a 2-1 series lead.
This lineup change is one of several modifications the team has made. Kiké Hernández, who hit a go-ahead home run in Game 3, remains in the lineup despite facing a right-handed pitcher. Max Muncy also returns to the starting nine for the first time since Game 1, having been sidelined against left-handed starters in the previous games.
Miguel Rojas is not in the starting lineup after experiencing back discomfort on a swing during Game 3. While Rojas initially expressed optimism about the injury, the team opted to assess his condition before Wednesday's game. Andy Pages is set to bat ninth, looking to build on a two-hit performance in Game 3 that ended an earlier slump.
Ohtani, who has been dealing with ongoing right arm and left knee injuries, has struggled to replicate his usual dominant form this postseason. Through the first three games of the series, he is 2-for-10 with one walk and three strikeouts. He has not hit a home run since August 18 and has just one RBI in his last 21 games, a stretch that includes both regular-season and postseason play.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in Ohtani's potential, noting improved at-bats even amidst the slump. "He's going to come to life. It will happen," Roberts said after Game 3. The Dodgers are hoping that a change in batting order position will help Ohtani break out of his current offensive funk in a crucial Game 4.