Dodgers reveal Shohei Ohtani lineup decision ahead of NLCS Game 3

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made their decision on Shohei Ohtani ahead of a pivotal Game 3 of the MLB National League Championship Series. Despite a prolonged offensive slump and ongoing health concerns, Ohtani will remain in the starting lineup against the Milwaukee Brewers, manager Dave Roberts confirmed.Shohei Ohtani is staying in the starting lineup for NLCS Game 3, per manager Dave Roberts. Ohtani is hitting .150 this postseason and hasn’t homered since August 18th. https://t.co/G2vsOoSFuU— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) October 13, 2026The decision comes with the Dodgers facing enormous pressure. Milwaukee has taken a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven NLCS, leaving Los Angeles needing a victory in Game 3 to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole.MORE:Brewers’ Logan Henderson makes MLB postseason history not seen since 1942Ohtani staying in lineup despite brutal slumpOct 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after striking out during the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves in game two of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Ohtani has struggled badly at the plate throughout the postseason. He is just 3-for-20, good for a .150 batting average, with no extra-base hits and seven strikeouts through his first six playoff games.His power drought has also become a major storyline. Ohtani’s last home run came on Aug. 18 at Coors Field, and he has now gone 110 plate appearances without a homer, the longest homerless stretch of his career.The Dodgers had reportedly considered benching Ohtani for Game 3 after his 0-for-4 performance with two strikeouts in Game 2. Roberts acknowledged that Ohtani has not felt great and said the team needed to determine what was best for both the player and the club.Instead, Ohtani will remain in the starting lineup.MORE:Every MLB team’s most recent playoff win: Which franchise has the longest drought?Dodgers desperately need Ohtani to break outJul 5, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after striking out in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn ImagesThe timing could hardly be more important for Los Angeles. The Dodgers dropped both games in Milwaukee, including Monday’s 7-4 loss, and now return home needing to win Game 3 to keep the series from reaching an almost insurmountable 3-0 deficit.Los Angeles has struggled offensively as a team during the postseason, batting just .193 and going 2-for-26 with runners in scoring position.Ohtani’s struggles have also come while dealing with right biceps and left knee issues that have affected him since June. Those injuries contributed to a stint on the injured list in September and have continued to raise questions about his physical condition.Still, the Dodgers have decided that their best path forward includes their superstar in the lineup. Ohtani will bat fourth as Los Angeles tries to reverse the momentum and keep its season alive.After months of dominant production, the Dodgers desperately need Ohtani to rediscover his swing. With the team one loss away from a 3-0 deficit, Game 3 represents one of the biggest opportunities yet for the four-time MVP to change the direction of the series.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —