LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing elimination in the National League Championship Series, trailing 3-0 against the Milwaukee Brewers. In a bold move for Game 4, manager Dave Roberts has decided to bat Shohei Ohtani in the leadoff spot, even though the Brewers are starting left-hander Shane Drohan. Ohtani, who was initially considered for a rest day, was ‘adamant’ and ‘convicted’ that he could help the team, according to Roberts. This decision comes after Ohtani showed some promising signs in Game 3, despite the Dodgers’ 6-2 loss. He reached base via walk and hit by pitch, and lined a 113.5 mph single up the middle. However, Ohtani has struggled in this postseason, hitting just .182 with no home runs since August 18. The Dodgers have only managed two extra-base hits in three NLCS games, and their playoff OPS is a dismal .572. Roberts emphasized that Ohtani’s hard work, including late-night sessions, convinced him to put him at the top of the lineup for a chance to turn things around.
