Dodgers make desperate move with Shohei Ohtani as three-peat is on brink of collapse

· California Post

After moving Shohei Ohtani down in their batting order during his injury-hampered slump this postseason, the Dodgers reversed course with their season on the line in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series.

For the first time this October, Ohtani returned to his customary leadoff spot in the lineup.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani follows through on a base hit during the eighth inning of Game 3 of baseball’s National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani returns to the dugout after flying out during the second inning of Game 3 of baseball’s National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Ashley Landis

The move comes with the Dodgers facing a three-games-to-none deficit against the Milwaukee Brewers –– and in spite of Ohtani’s .182 batting average (4-for-22) in these playoffs, in which he has also failed to record an extra-base hit or an RBI.

Previously, those struggles saw him drop to the two-hole, then the Nos. 4, 5 and 6 spots in the previous four games.

But now, he will spearhead their offense once again, with the Dodgers elect to ride-or-die with the four-time MVP at the top of their lineup.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani flies out during the second inning of Game 3 of baseball’s National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Here is the Dodgers’ full lineup for Game 4:

1. Shohei Ohtani, DH

2. Mookie Betts, SS

3. Freddie Freeman, 1B

4. Will Smith, C

5. Kyle Tucker, RF

6. Teoscar Hernández, LF

7. Miguel Rojas, 2B

8. Andy Pages, CF

9. Kiké Hernández, 3B

SP: Tyler Glasnow