Dave Roberts banking on Shohei Ohtani rebounding in Game 3

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani with manager Dave Roberts. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Dodgers' Dave Roberts banking on Shohei Ohtani rebounding in Game 3 of NLCS vs. Brewers

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 13, 2026 10:23 PM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is once again placing his chips on designated hitter/pitcher Shohei Ohtani.

Many called for Roberts to pull a stunning move and bench four-time MVP Ohtani in the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Instead, he's counting on his two-way superstar to rebound and help the Dodgers climb out of their 2-0 hole in the best-of-seven series.

On Tuesday, Roberts confirmed Ohtani will be in the lineup for Game 3 in L.A. on Wednesday (FS1, 8 p.m. ET).

Dave Roberts explains Shohei Ohtani decision

"I did talk to Sho, had a great conversation," Roberts told the media. "He's adamant; he feels good enough to be in there. He's close to finding something with his swing, and I feel great about it."

It's hard to buy that the Dodgers star will suddenly flip the switch. Ohtani's numbers have sagged since he returned from a biceps and knee issue on Sept. 23. (He hasn't pitched since returning from the injury.) During this span, he has slashed .238/.273/.286. In Monday's 7-4 loss in Milwaukee, he struck out twice.

Shohei Ohtani will be in the Dodgers starting lineup in Game 3 of the NLCS despite his recent struggles at the plate pic.twitter.com/fYzDEBPIbr
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 13, 2026

Ohtani, though, has been a postseason performer for the Dodgers. In three playoff trips with the team, he has slashed .235/.374/.497 with 11 home runs. Entering a must-win game, he may rediscover his October magic, especially now that he says his injury symptoms have recently "subdued."

"I take full responsibility... The symptoms shouldn't be the reason I can't hit," Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton (h/t MLB Network's Jon Morosi).

Shohei Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton that his injury-related symptoms have “subdued” recently.

Of his performance, Ohtani said, “I take full responsibility . . . The symptoms shouldn’t be the reason I can’t hit.” @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 14, 2026

Whatever's causing the slump, Ohtani must overcome it in Game 3. If he doesn't, that may tank the Dodgers' chances of becoming the first team to win three straight World Series titles since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees. The 2004 Boston Red Sox are, famously, the only team in MLB history to come back from a 3-0 deficit.

This star-studded Dodgers may be talented enough to become the second, but they shouldn't risk it. L.A. should instead win Game 3. The club's chances of doing that hinge on Ohtani proving Roberts made the right decision by letting him play instead of benching him.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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