Shohei Ohtani Moves to Sixth in Dodgers NLCS Lineup
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is batting sixth in Game 3 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers as he works through a post-season hitting slump.
Quick facts
- Shohei Ohtani is batting sixth in the lineup for Game 3 of the NLCS.
- Ohtani has a .150 batting average over six post-season games.
- The Dodgers currently trail the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0 in the series.
Why it matters
The decision to move a high-profile player like Shohei Ohtani down the order reflects the urgency of a team facing a 2-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series. While Ohtani's health concerns are documented, his performance in the post-season has become a central narrative for the Dodgers' championship aspirations.
Shohei Ohtani is batting sixth for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Milwaukee Brewers. As of October 15, 2026, this adjustment marks the lowest spot in the batting order for the designated hitter since he joined the team three years ago.
What happened?
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the lineup change ahead of Wednesday night's game. The Dodgers currently trail the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0 in the best-of-seven series. Roberts stated that the move is intended to balance left- and right-handed hitters against Milwaukee's starting pitcher, Robert Gasser. Ohtani, who typically hits at the top of the order, has struggled during the current post-season.
Why is it trending?
Fans are searching for the Dodgers as they monitor Ohtani's performance during his post-season slump. Ohtani is hitting .150 with three hits in 20 at-bats across six games. He has recorded seven strikeouts and three walks with no home runs or RBIs during this stretch. The player has previously noted he is not 100 percent healthy, citing ongoing issues with his left knee and right biceps.
Why this is trending in Canada
The source notes do not explain specific local interest in Canada, and this appears to be part of a wider trend among baseball fans following the MLB playoffs.
What is confirmed and what is not
It is confirmed that Ohtani is batting sixth for Game 3 and that he has been dealing with knee and biceps issues for several months. Whether this lineup change will improve his offensive output or help the Dodgers overcome their 2-0 series deficit remains to be seen.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Shohei Ohtani batting sixth?
Manager Dave Roberts moved Ohtani to the sixth spot to better distribute left- and right-handed hitters against Milwaukee's starting pitcher, Robert Gasser. The adjustment also comes as Ohtani continues to struggle offensively during the current post-season.
What is Shohei Ohtani's current post-season average?
Shohei Ohtani is hitting .150 in the 2026 post-season. Over six games, he has recorded three hits in 20 at-bats, seven strikeouts, three walks, and one stolen base, with no home runs or RBIs.
Is Shohei Ohtani injured?
Ohtani stated before the National League Division Series that he is not 100 percent healthy. He has been managing left knee and right biceps issues for several months.
What is the Dodgers' current series standing?
The Los Angeles Dodgers trail the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0 in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series as of October 15, 2026.
When did Ohtani last hit sixth in a lineup?
Prior to this game, Ohtani had not batted sixth or lower since the 2020 season, when he was playing for the Los Angeles Angels.
Who is the starting pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 3?
Robert Gasser is the starting pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In this story
Sources
Trend snapshot
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