Dodgers put Shohei Ohtani back in leadoff spot for NLCS Game 4
Facing a 0-3 deficit, the Los Angeles Dodgers moved Shohei Ohtani to the top of the lineup for Game 4 of the National League Championship Series.
Los Angeles shifted Shohei Ohtani back to the leadoff position for Game 4 of the National League Championship Series, the first time he has opened the order this postseason. The change comes as the Dodgers trail the Milwaukee Brewers three games to none.
Manager Dave Roberts said the decision was based on Ohtani’s recent performance, noting his three-on-base appearances and a 113 mph single in Game 3. > "Just seeing the work the last couple days, I like where his head is at," Roberts said. > "I liked the at-bats yesterday. Trying to shake it up a little bit."
Roberts added that the move gives the team its best chance to generate runs, stating, > "I feel good about him taking five at-bats and giving us our best chance to win and produce runs today."
The lineup also reinstated catcher Will Smith to the cleanup spot after his two-run double in Game 3, while Miguel Rojas started at second base and Kiké Hernández at third. Both Max Muncy and Tommy Edman were moved to the bench for the game against Brewers left-hander Shane Drohan.
Roberts emphasized a relaxed approach for the elimination game, saying, > "What do we have to lose? I just don’t want us to be uptight. We have been here before as far as playing elimination games. There might not be a tomorrow, so we have to play like that, and I expect we will. With that, you’ve got to play free and easy. That’s imperative."
The Dodgers’ projected batting order for Game 4 lists Ohtani as designated hitter, followed by Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Kyle Tucker, Teoscar Hernández, Miguel Rojas, Andy Pages and Kiké Hernández, with Tyler Glasnow slated to start on the mound.