Dodgers Consider Lineup Changes Without Ohtani for NLCS Game 3

The Los Angeles Dodgers are weighing potential lineup changes for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series after Shohei Ohtani's postseason struggles and a limited offensive performance raised questions about his role as the team prepares to face Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Robert Gasser. Manager Dave Roberts must decide whether to keep Ohtani in the designated hitter position or give another player a starting opportunity. According to Sports Yahoo, the Dodgers recorded just three hits in Game 2 against Milwaukee, adding to concerns about their offensive production.

Ohtani has occupied the cleanup spot in both of the series' first two games despite struggling at the plate. Roberts has already removed Ohtani from pitching duties because of an apparent injury, but the team has continued using him as a hitter. His recent performance has prompted renewed discussion about whether that arrangement should continue in Game 3.

The Dodgers could consider Josue De Paula, who is hitting .400 against left-handed pitchers this year, according to Sports Yahoo. The 21-year-old has continued to sit on the bench despite his strong numbers against lefties, making him a potential alternative against Gasser.

One possibility would be to start Ohtani and introduce De Paula after Gasser leaves the game. However, De Paula's production against left-handed pitching also gives Los Angeles a statistical reason to consider placing him in the starting lineup. Los Angeles previously faced a left-handed starter in Game 3 of the National League Division Series against Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale. According to Sports Yahoo, Sale worked five innings, allowing three earned runs and seven hits while recording seven strikeouts without issuing a walk.

Sale was removed after throwing 95 pitches and surrendering two home runs. Although Gasser is a different pitcher, that previous outing provides a reference point for the Dodgers as they prepare for another matchup against a left-hander. Against Sale, the Dodgers used Mookie Betts in the leadoff position, followed by Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernandez and Will Smith. Ohtani batted fifth, with Miguel Rojas, Andy Pages, Kyle Tucker and Kike Hernandez completing the nine-player lineup.

The Dodgers have continued batting Ohtani fourth throughout the first two games of the NLCS. Their decision for Game 3 could affect the middle of the order as they seek greater offensive production against Milwaukee. Miguel Rojas is expected to remain in the lineup against the left-handed Gasser, with Max Muncy serving as the alternative at that position, according to Sports Yahoo.

The final spot also remains a consideration, with Tommy Edman and Hernandez among the candidates. Game 3 presents Roberts with decisions involving Ohtani's continued role as designated hitter, De Paula's numbers against left-handed pitching and the remaining positions in the Dodgers' batting order.