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Shohei Ohtani will remain in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. The decision comes with Los Angeles trailing 2-0 in the best-of-seven series and needing a response at Dodger Stadium.
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Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the decision Tuesday after speaking with Ohtani about his condition and recent struggles at the plate. The Dodgers had considered whether to give the designated hitter a break, but he made it clear that he wanted to continue playing.
According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, Roberts said Ohtani was “adamant” that he felt good enough to remain in the lineup and turn things around. The decision gives the four-time MVP another opportunity to help Los Angeles get back into the series.
Dave Roberts said he spoke with Shohei Ohtani today, who said he was “adamant” that he feels good enough to stay in the lineup and turn it around.
Ohtani will be in the lineup again in Game 3.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) October 13, 2026
The decision comes after a difficult postseason for Ohtani offensively. He has gone 3-for-20 through six playoff games, a .150 batting average, with seven strikeouts, three walks, no home runs and no RBIs. His recent production has become a concern as the Dodgers try to avoid falling further behind Milwaukee.
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Ohtani’s struggles contrast with his regular-season numbers. He finished the 2026 campaign with a .275 batting average, a .377 on-base percentage, 30 home runs and 81 RBIs. Those numbers established his importance to the Dodgers’ offense, even as physical issues complicated his preparation for October.
The designated hitter has been managing left knee irritation and right biceps inflammation. The biceps issue also affected his pitching workload, while the knee problem limited his availability during the season. Although the Dodgers have monitored his condition, the latest decision confirms that he will continue contributing as a hitter in Game 3.
Los Angeles needs more production throughout its lineup after losing the opening two games in Milwaukee. The Brewers won Game 1 by a 2-1 score before taking Game 2, 7-4, leaving the Dodgers with little room for error in the series. Ohtani is one of several key hitters the club needs to produce if it hopes to extend its postseason run.
Game 3 is scheduled for Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium, with Blake Snell set to start for Los Angeles. Keeping Ohtani in the lineup gives Roberts another chance to get production from his star, but the Dodgers will need results at the plate to begin closing the gap.
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This story was originally published October 14, 2026 at 6:21 AM.