Dodgers manager confirms Ohtani will start in NLCS Game 3

Los Angeles – Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that Shohei Ohtani will be in the lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night against the Milwaukee Brewers. Ohtani, who went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in the Dodgers' 7-4 loss on Monday, told Roberts he feels healthy enough to contribute.

"He was adamant that he can help us," Roberts said. "He's well enough to help us win a baseball game. So that's all I needed to hear. I've never wavered in my belief in him."

Ohtani, who has not homered since August 18 and has struggled offensively in recent weeks, said his lingering knee and arm symptoms have lessened after a two-week stint on the injured list.

"The symptoms shouldn't be the reason why I can't hit," Ohtani said through an interpreter. "I take full responsibility and will keep working on my approach."

Roberts indicated that Ohtani could bat anywhere from the second to the sixth spot in the order, depending on the matchup. The decision comes as the Dodgers trail the series 2-0 and look to spark a comeback.