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Shohei Ohtani will stay in Dodgers' lineup. He's convinced he's close to finding MVP form.

Shohei Ohtani will return to the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, despite battling a sore left knee and inflamed right biceps. The two-time MVP and $700 million contract cornerstone insisted to manager Dave Roberts that he is close to rediscovering his MVP-level hitting form, even as his recent struggles—including a .157 batting average, no homers since August 18, and a postseason slump with seven strikeouts—highlight his current challenges.

Roberts, though concerned about Ohtani’s injuries, ultimately trusted his conviction, emphasizing that the Dodgers’ season hangs in the balance after falling 2-0 down to the Brewers. Ohtani, who has spoken publicly for the first time in the postseason, framed his mechanical adjustments as a gradual process, refusing to use his injuries as an excuse for his recent struggles.

The Dodgers’ manager acknowledged the pressure on Ohtani but stressed that the team’s success depends on collective effort, not just one player’s performance.

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Dave Roberts says Shohei Ohtani is adamant he feels good enough, will remain in lineup