LOS ANGELES — If there’s one thing Dave Roberts loves, it’s a good lineup puzzle. And with the Dodgers’ season hanging by a thread, the manager is once again rearranging the pieces for Game 4 of the NLCS.
The biggest move? Shohei Ohtani is sliding up in the batting order. After a surprising demotion to sixth for Game 3, the $700 million man will hit higher as the Dodgers try to stave off elimination against the Brewers.
It’s been a brutal postseason at the plate for Ohtani, who entered Game 3 hitting a paltry .150. That slump had even sparked whispers about a possible benching — a notion that seemed unthinkable given his contract and star power. But Roberts opted to keep him in the lineup Wednesday, just lower than usual.
"Shohei’s all on board," Roberts said. "Whatever it takes to win."
The move paid off, at least individually. Ohtani looked far more comfortable in Game 3, going 1-for-2 with a walk. But the Dodgers still fell 6-2, putting them one loss away from a long, cold winter.
Now, with the season on the line, Roberts is trusting Ohtani to deliver in a more prominent spot. It’s a calculated gamble that could define the Dodgers’ fate.
Glasnow Must Step Up
While the lineup shuffle draws headlines, the real pressure tonight falls on Tyler Glasnow. The right-hander takes the mound with the Dodgers’ season in his hands.
Glasnow’s only start this postseason was a mixed bag: five walks and one run allowed over 4.2 innings in the NLDS. He’ll need to be sharper against a Brewers lineup that has feasted on Dodgers pitching.
"I think he’s going to pitch well," Roberts said. "He’s fresh. He’s got a lot of arm talent. He’s got experience, certainly, in the postseason."
Fresh is one way to put it. Glasnow hasn’t pitched since October 5, so rust could be a factor. But if he can harness his electric stuff, he gives L.A. a fighting chance.
Stars Must Shine
Beyond Ohtani, the Dodgers need their other big bats to wake up. Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith have all been quiet this series. The only consistent threat has been Kyle Tucker, who has carried the offense at times.
If Betts, Freeman, and Smith don’t step up in a do-or-die game, the Dodgers’ season will end abruptly. And with the fanbase already on edge — as seen by the dodgers nation under fire for embarrassing no-show — another flat performance could spark a full-blown meltdown.
Roberts, as always, remains optimistic. But his lineup tinkering shows he’s willing to try anything to spark a turnaround. Whether it’s moving Ohtani up, shuffling the order, or leaning on his bullpen, the manager is pulling every lever.
For Dodgers fans, the hope is that this latest shuffle finally clicks. If not, the offseason will arrive with plenty of questions — and plenty of second-guessing about dave roberts faces fan fury over bold locker room claims.
First pitch is set for tonight at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers’ season — and perhaps Roberts’ legacy — hangs in the balance.
