Sports · October 15, 2026
Dodgers make desperate move with Shohei Ohtani as three-peat is on brink of collapse
The Los Angeles Dodgers moved Shohei Ohtani back to the leadoff position for Game 4 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers. Facing a 3-0 series deficit, manager Dave Roberts stated the move was intended to shake up the offense and provide Ohtani with more plate appearances. Ohtani entered the game batting .182 in the postseason without an extra-base hit or RBI. Additional lineup changes included moving Will Smith to the cleanup spot and starting Miguel Rojas and Kiké Hernández against left-handed pitcher Shane Drohan.
Read the original coverage
- New York PostTabloid
Dodgers make desperate move with Shohei Ohtani as three-peat is on brink of collapse
Read at New York Post ↗ - ESPNSports network
Dodgers return Ohtani to leadoff spot for must-win Game 4
Read at ESPN ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Shohei Ohtani returned to the leadoff spot for NLCS Game 4.
- The Dodgers trail the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 in the series.
- Ohtani entered the game with a .182 postseason batting average and no extra-base hits.
- Will Smith was moved to the cleanup spot for Game 4.
- Miguel Rojas and Kiké Hernández started Game 4, while Max Muncy and Tommy Edman were benched.
- Tyler Glasnow was the starting pitcher for the Dodgers.
Confirmed
- Shohei Ohtani moved to leadoff spot for NLCS Game 4.
- Dodgers trail Brewers 3-0.
- Dave Roberts cited Ohtani's Game 3 performance as a reason for the shift.
Reported
- Shohei Ohtani had a 113 mph single in his last trip to the plate in Game 3. (New York Post)
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