Shohei Ohtani Could Move Further Down Lineup Amid Underperformance

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed he’s willing to move Shohei Ohtani further down the lineup as his struggles in the box persist.

Ohtani is 2-for-8 this postseason, but that isn’t the worrying part. During the second game of the NLDS, Ohtani struggled to find the plate discipline he’s had throughout his career. He swung at 11 pitches while facing just 19, and chased on 53% of those swings.

He didn’t have the same struggles in Game 1, chasing at a rate of just 17%, but his performance in Game 2 was enough to prompt some questions regarding his fitness. The Dodgers have already moved Ohtani down in the order following his return from injury, running him out at the No. 2 spot several times since he came back, and Roberts revealed he’s open to dropping him further in the lineup.

“Going further than moving him from one to two, I’m open to it,” Roberts said. “If it’s something I do, I’d obviously have the conversation with Shohei to explain why. Every conversation I’ve had with him that’s whatever is best for the team, he’s all in on it.

Ohtani will remain in the lineup for the Dodgers’ Game 3 matchup against the Atlanta Braves regardless of his spot in the lineup, but faces a big challenge in the form of Chris Sale.

Oct 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after striking out during the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves in game two of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Is Chris Sale a Good Matchup for Shohei Ohtani?

The Dodgers are showing plenty of confidence in Ohtani by starting him on Tuesday, as Sale is a difficult matchup for the reigning MVP—especially given his recent struggles.

Sale ranked in the Top 5% of MLB With a 36.5% chase rate this season, strikes out batters at an extremely high clip and also throws from the left side, making at-bats for Ohtani inherently more difficult.

Ohtani will have to perform much better than he has since his return from injury in order to keep up with Sale, who performed incredibly against the Dodgers across two starts in the regular season, and the Dodgers need him to do so if they’re to avoid falling behind in the series.

The third game of the NLDS begins Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. PT.

Source: sports.yahoo.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.