Shohei Ohtani Reverts to Leadoff Spot as Dodgers Face Elimination in NLCS
With their season on the brink, the Dodgers have moved Shohei Ohtani back to the top of the batting order for Game 4 of the National League Championship Series.
Facing a three-games-to-none deficit against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Los Angeles Dodgers have reinstated Shohei Ohtani to the leadoff spot in their batting order for Game 4 of the National League Championship Series. This strategic shift marks the first time this postseason that the four-time MVP has occupied his customary position at the top of the lineup.
Ohtani's performance in the playoffs thus far has been hampered, as he has recorded a .182 batting average (4-for-22) with no extra-base hits or RBIs. His struggles led the Dodgers to drop him in the batting order in previous games, placing him in the two-hole, then the Nos. 4, 5, and 6 spots.
Now, with their season on the line, the Dodgers are opting to “ride-or-die” with Ohtani at the forefront of their offense. This decision underscores the team's commitment to leveraging Ohtani's potential as they attempt to stave off elimination.
The Dodgers' full lineup for Game 4 is as follows:
- Shohei Ohtani, DH
- Mookie Betts, SS
- Freddie Freeman, 1B
- Will Smith, C
- Kyle Tucker, RF
- Teoscar Hernández, LF
- Miguel Rojas, 2B
- Andy Pages, CF
- Kiké Hernández, 3B
Starting Pitcher: Tyler Glasnow.