Dodgers Manager Considers Lineup Changes for NLDS Game 3
Dave Roberts contemplates adjustments, including Shohei Ohtani's batting order, as the team faces elimination.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is weighing potential lineup adjustments for Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, with the team facing the prospect of elimination after dropping the first two games. The Dodgers' manager acknowledged on Monday that he is "considering" changes as his team prepares to face Braves ace Chris Sale, who previously threw a complete-game shutout against them in August.
"I am considering [changes]," Roberts told reporters. "I think that’s a very fair question." He noted that while it's early in the postseason, the danger of a small sample size in playoff games, the team cannot afford to wait too long to make strategic moves.
One potential shift involves adjusting the batting order for star Shohei Ohtani, who has struggled at the plate thus far in the series. Ohtani is 2-for-8 in the first two games and has been dealing with injuries to his right arm and left knee. Roberts indicated he is open to moving Ohtani further down in the lineup from his current No. 2 spot, a move he has previously made from the leadoff position.
"[We already moved] him from 1 to 2 –– but going further than that? I’m open to it," Roberts said. "It’s something that, if I do, I would obviously have the conversation with Shohei to explain why." Roberts cited Ohtani's diminished physical state and a tendency to chase pitches out of the strike zone as reasons for his struggles. The manager suggested that Ohtani might be trying to do too much, and that a change in approach, focusing on hitting the ball the other way, could be beneficial against a pitcher like Sale.
Roberts also mentioned the possibility of inserting players like Miguel Rojas or Kiké Hernández into the lineup, potentially to provide more right-handed bats against the left-handed Sale. However, Roberts quickly dismissed the idea of removing outfielder Andy Pages from the lineup, despite his 0-for-7 start to the series. Roberts expressed confidence in Pages, stating, "I believe in him. And I feel that for us to win the World Series this year, we’re gonna need him to be an active part of our team."
The Dodgers face a critical Game 3 on Tuesday night, with the series currently tied one game to none after dropping the first two games in Los Angeles. The team is aiming to repeat as World Series champions for a third consecutive year.