Roberts moves struggling Ohtani to No. 5 spot in Dodgers’ lineup in NLDS Game 3 against Braves

In the crucial Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made an adjustment to the lineup by moving designated hitter Shohei Ohtani to the No. 5 spot. Ohtani, a four-time MVP, had struggled against Braves left-hander Chris Sale, going 0 for 4 with two strikeouts in their previous matchup on August 26.

Roberts felt the move would give the Dodgers a different look against Sale and provide Ohtani with opportunities to help the team as they aim to turn the series around, which was tied 1-1 heading into this game. Ohtani, who had hit .275 with 30 homers and 81 RBIs in the regular season, went 2 for 8 in the first two games of the series.