Dave Roberts reveals how Shohei Ohtani is really feeling after going through his slump
Shohei Ohtani is making a major lineup change as the Dodgers turn to their superstar for a comeback in the NLCS.
With the Los Angeles Dodgers facing a difficult situation in the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers , all eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani as he looks to end his offensive slump and rediscover the dominant form that has made him one of baseball’s biggest stars.
Heading into Game 3 , manager Dave Roberts confirmed a significant change in the Japanese star’s place in the batting order and shared Ohtani’s mindset — he is willing to make any adjustment to help the team.
Dodgers drop Shohei Ohtani lower in the lineup
Accustomed to hitting near the top of the order, either leading off or in the upper half of the lineup, Ohtani will bat sixth on Wednesday, the lowest spot he has ever occupied in his Major League career.
For Roberts, the decision reflects the Japanese star’s commitment to the Dodgers.
“Shohei Ohtani stayed late at Dodger Stadium working on his swing,” Bob Nightengale wrote on X, “with manager Dave Roberts calling him the ultimate team player.”
Ohtani’s current form stands in sharp contrast to previous seasons. The four-time MVP has dealt with physical issues in the second half of the year and arrives with numbers well below his usual standard: a .200 average in September and just .150 in the playoffs .
Despite the prolonged struggle, the Japanese star refuses to quit. Ohtani even stayed after a workout at Dodger Stadium to continue working on his swing — a clear sign of his determination to return to form.
“He was determined, and that’s an understatement,” Roberts said.
Shohei Ohtani confident he can respond
The lack of offensive production and ongoing physical discomfort led some to question whether the Dodgers should bench him. But Ohtani is convinced he has found meaningful mechanical adjustments in his swing.
“He was very convinced that he is onto something mechanically,” Roberts said, via MLB.com . “He was adamant that he can help us. He’s well enough to help us win a baseball game. So that’s all I needed to hear.”
Now the Dodgers hope Game 3 becomes the turning point for both Ohtani and the team, which finds itself on the ropes after falling into an 0-2 hole against the Brewers in the NLCS .
