Ohtani remains in Dodgers lineup despite playoff slump

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 04:02 · Archive

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has kept Shohei Ohtani in the starting lineup for Game 3 of the NLCS despite a .150 postseason batting average and ongoing injuries.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced on Tuesday that Shohei Ohtani will remain in the team's starting lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday, serving as designated hitter despite an ongoing postseason slump and injuries to his left knee and right arm.

Ohtani is batting .150 in the playoffs with no extra-base hits or RBIs. In Monday's Game 2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, leaving the Dodgers in a 2-0 hole in the best-of-seven series. The loss prompted speculation that Roberts might bench the four-time MVP.

Roberts said Ohtani is 'adamant he feels good enough to be in there' and is 'close to finding something with his swing'. Roberts added that Ohtani 'was very convicted that he is onto something mechanically' and 'adamant that he can help us'. Ohtani told reporters through his interpreter that 'the symptoms shouldn't be the reason why I can't hit' and that his 'No. 1 priority is for the team to win'.

How it is being reported

• Dodgers to stick with out-of-form OhtaniFour-time MVP Shohei Ohtani has been in dire form after returning from multiple injuries this postseason, hitting just 3-for-20 in the playoffs.The Japan Times · 14 Oct, 04:10
• Dave Roberts keeps Shohei Ohtani in Dodgers' NLCS Game 3 lineup despite postseason strugglesDave Roberts is keeping Shohei Ohtani in the Dodgers' NLCS Game 3 lineup despite a .150 postseason average and zero extra-base hits against the Brewers.Fox News · 14 Oct, 03:32
• Shohei Ohtani to remain in Dodgers lineup despite hitting slump and injuriesDespite rampant speculation after the Dodgers' Game 2 NLCS loss, Shohei Ohtani is not being benched –– at least not yetNew York Post · 14 Oct, 00:39

In this story: Shohei Ohtani · Dave Roberts · Los Angeles Dodgers · Milwaukee Brewers · Dodger Stadium

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