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Dodgers Drop Struggling Shohei Ohtani To Fifth In Lineup For Game 3 vs. Braves

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a notable lineup adjustment for Game 3 of the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves, moving two-way star Shohei Ohtani down to fifth in the batting order. The shift comes amid a recent offensive slump, where Ohtani has managed just eight hits and a .211 average over his last ten games.

His placement on the injured list in September due to lingering knee and biceps injuries, followed by a postseason activation, adds context to his current struggles. Meanwhile, outfielder Teoscar Hernández, who has thrived with a .267 average, 16 home runs, and 64 RBIs this season, will now bat fourth—a spot Ohtani has occupied in the past but not since his 2020 Angels tenure, when he batted .190 over 44 games.

The move reflects manager Dave Roberts’ strategy to balance lineup production, especially against Braves ace Chris Sale, whom Ohtani has faced poorly in the past, posting a .517 OPS in 15 career plate appearances. With the Dodgers trailing 1-2 in the series, the new lineup—featuring Mookie Betts, Hernández, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith ahead of Ohtani—could signal a deliberate attempt to reset expectations as Los Angeles aims to reclaim the lead Tuesday night.

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