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Shohei Ohtani made big change ahead of NLCS Game 3

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 8:03 PM ET

Shohei Ohtani made a big change to his practice routine ahead of Game 3 of the NLCS.

Ohtani had been struggling in the postseason prior to Game 3. He was 2-for-25 with 12 strikeouts since the wild-card series. Perhaps inspired to try breaking out of the struggles, Ohtani changed this up during the Dodgers’ off day on Wednesday.

For the first time with the Dodgers, Ohtani took batting practice on the field.

Dodgers having a good time teasing Shohei Ohtani as he came out to take BP. pic.twitter.com/i2JSf5DTPd
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) October 16, 2025

Ohtani taking batting practice is not the surprise. Rather, the location of his practice is the difference.

Ohtani typically takes his practice indoors and swings in an enclosed batting cage environment. But Ohtani may have wanted to go out to get the actual stadium feel this time.

The media has been questioning the two-way player about matters, asking him why his hitting has dipped. They have been pushing the thought that trying to both pitch and hit may be hurting him. Ohtani isn’t having any of that.

The change seemed to have worked to start Game 3 as Ohtani led off with a triple and scored the first run of the game. He didn’t look quite as good in his ensuing few at-bats.

Ohtani batted .230 with a .767 OPS and three home runs while helping the Dodgers win the World Series last year. He has hit two home runs and driven in six runs this postseason, but he had a tougher go of it against the Phillies and Brewers.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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