Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is considering adjustments to the team’s batting order for Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, including the possibility of moving Shohei Ohtani lower in the lineup. Ohtani has traditionally batted first or second in every start during his three seasons with the Dodgers, but recent struggles and ongoing injury management may prompt Roberts to rethink that approach.

Ohtani, who has dealt with knee and arm issues, has not homered since August 18 and batted just .157 with a 41% strikeout rate over the remainder of the regular season. In the current series, he is 2-for-8 with two strikeouts, and his tendency to swing at pitches outside the strike zone has been a focal point. Roberts acknowledged Ohtani is "not 100%" but emphasized that better plate discipline is needed. “At the end of the day, he can still do a better job of staying in the strike zone,” Roberts said.

The Dodgers entered the series hitting .215 through the first two games and face left-handed ace Chris Sale in Game 3 on Tuesday. With the team trailing in the series, Roberts indicated he would consider lineup changes aimed at improving offensive production against left-handed pitching. Specifically, Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas, both of whom have performed well against lefties, could be added, potentially displacing infielders Max Muncy and Tommy Edman, who have struggled against Sale. Muncy is 0-for-7 with five strikeouts and Edman 0-for-11 in his previous matchups against the Braves’ starter.

Center fielder Andy Pages, who struggled significantly during last year’s postseason and continues to hit poorly this series, remains in the lineup. Roberts expressed continued confidence in Pages, noting the player’s potential importance to the team’s World Series aspirations. “I’m gonna continue to give Andy leash. I believe in him,” Roberts said.

The question of benching catcher Will Smith was also addressed. Despite Smith’s 0-for-8 performance in the series, Roberts does not anticipate a substitution, given that backup Hunter Feduccia has limited postseason experience and a career batting average of .205.

Roberts stressed that any adjustment involving Ohtani would be communicated directly with the player, who has shown a commitment to the team’s goals. “Whatever’s best for the team, he’s all-in on,” Roberts said. He also noted that opposing pitchers have been cautious with Ohtani due to his talent but have expanded the strike zone given Ohtani’s inconsistent discipline at the plate.

With the Dodgers trailing and facing elimination, Roberts is weighing all options to revitalize the lineup as they seek to extend the postseason.