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Dodgers Keep Shohei Ohtani in NLCS Game 3 Lineup

Ohtani insisted he can help and manager Dave Roberts accepted that assessment, a choice that places the Dodgers’ offense under immediate pressure as they try to avoid a 0-3 hole.

Oct 12, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after striking out against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning in game two of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
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Oct 12, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Christian Yelich (22) hits an RBI single during the third inning of their National League Championship Series game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at American Family Field on Oct 12, 2026. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Oct 12, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) watches a single hit by Milwaukee Brewers third baseman David Hamilton (6) during the third inning of their National League Championship Series game at American Family Field on Oct 12, 2026. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Overview

  • Dave Roberts confirmed Tuesday that Shohei Ohtani will start for the Dodgers in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium.
  • Ohtani told the team he feels healthy enough to play after an off-day conversation with Roberts and front-office figures, and Roberts said Ohtani was 'very convicted' about his swing.
  • The decision comes with Ohtani in a prolonged slump, as he is 3-for-20 (.150) in the postseason with no extra-base hits and has not homered since Aug. 18.
  • Los Angeles considered resting Ohtani and using rookie Josue De Paula as the designated hitter, but chose to stick with Ohtani to try to spark the offense while he remains a one-way hitter this postseason.
  • If Ohtani does not break out, the Dodgers risk falling into a 0-3 deficit that is almost always fatal in seven-game series, so Game 3 will be a key test of both his health and the club’s depth.