ATLANTA — Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was serious about his intentions.
As he hinted during the team’s off day on Monday, the Dodgers implemented notable adjustments to their lineup for Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Tuesday. They restructured their batting order, adding more right-handed hitters ahead of a tough game against Braves left-handed ace Chris Sale at Truist Park.
The most significant change was dropping two-way star Shohei Ohtani from the second spot to fifth in the lineup—his lowest batting position since the 2020 season with the Angels.
This shift wasn’t exactly shocking, especially since the often-dominant slugger had managed only two singles during the first two games of the series held in Los Angeles.
By moving Ohtani down the order, the Dodgers aimed to reduce his chances of facing Sale, who has held Ohtani to just a 3-for-15 record in their past encounters. The team is also hoping Ohtani can improve his approach at the plate, as he struck out twice on Sunday by chasing pitches outside the strike zone.
“Trying to chase slug tomorrow night might not be the right plan, given the starter,” Roberts suggested about Ohtani on Monday.
The Dodgers took additional measures to prepare for their confrontation with Sale, who, remarkably, outperformed even his 2024 Cy Young-winning season this year, finishing with a record of 14-9 and a 2.16 ERA. Notably, he delivered a five-hit shutout against the Dodgers during their last match in August at Truist Park.
In a further alteration, left-handed hitter Max Muncy was benched for a second consecutive game, making way for veteran Miguel Rojas at third base, where he was batting sixth.
Meanwhile, at second base, struggling switch-hitter Tommy Edman was replaced by playoff veteran Kiké Hernández, who will have his first start of the postseason as the No. 9 hitter.
“Today, we know we’re in for a battle,” Rojas remarked. “We recognize what he’s going to bring. We understand his game. It all comes down to execution on the day … We have to challenge every pitch, every out. That’s what we’re up against.”
