Dodgers move Shohei Ohtani back to leadoff while facing NLCS elimination vs. Brewers
Ohtani has already batted second, fourth, fifth and sixth this postseason.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have shuffled Shohei Ohtani to bat leadoff in their lineup as they attempt to mount a comeback in the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers. Ohtani, who faced the leadoff spot from June 2024 to September, had been batting sixth in the NLCS after struggling with knee, biceps, and neck issues. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated he wanted to bring some normalcy to Ohtani's approach, as the team has been struggling both offensively and defensively in the series.
The Dodgers' lineup for Game 4 against the Brewers is Mookie Betts at second, Freddie Freeman at third, and Will Smith in the cleanup spot, with Ohtani leading off. Ohtani's modest performance so far this postseason includes a .333 batting average with one home run and 14 RBIs in five games, but a leadoff spot may help him get on base more consistently.
The Dodgers' offense, once one of the best in baseball, has been ineffective in the NLCS, hitting just 3-for-32 with runners in scoring position and failing to score any runs this series.
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