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Move Shohei Ohtani down in the Dodgers' lineup? Dave Roberts is 'open' to it

Dodger manager Dave Roberts said he is willing to shift Shohei Ohtani lower in the batting order for Game 3 of the NLDS, after the team has posted a .161 team average through the first two games. Ohtani, who has started every game in the first or second spot during his three seasons in Los Angeles, is still not fully healthy after knee and arm issues and has struggled, going 2‑for‑8 with two strikeouts in the series.

Roberts mentioned that he could move Ohtani to the second spot or even further back and would discuss the change with the Japanese star. He also noted that left‑handed ace Chris Sale will pitch for Atlanta, and he is considering starting Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas, who have performed well against left‑handers, while possibly sitting Max Muncy, Tommy Edman and Andy Pages, who have been hitless in the series.

Will Smith is expected to stay in the lineup despite an 0‑for‑8 showing.

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