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The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in a tied National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, a familiar postseason foe. With the series knotted up, the Dodgers are set to continue the matchup in Atlanta, where the Braves will have their top pitcher, Chris Sale, on the mound for Game 3. Despite holding home-field advantage, Los Angeles is not yet in a comfortable position, especially with Sale looming.
In light of this, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is considering adjustments to his lineup, particularly involving superstar Shohei Ohtani. According to Sonja Chen, Roberts indicated he is open to moving Ohtani from his usual second spot in the batting order. However, Roberts also stated that he is not planning to remove Andy Pages from the starting lineup, despite Pages having gone 0-for-7 in the NLDS so far.
Key Analysis
Ohtani, typically a potent offensive force, has been struggling at the plate. Over his last five games—comprising two playoff games and three regular-season contests—he has hit below his season average at .238, with eight strikeouts in 21 at-bats. Dropping him lower in the order could potentially allow him to find his rhythm while still providing power threats. The Dodgers' top three hitters in the postseason have been Mookie Betts, Ohtani, and Will Smith, but a shake-up might be necessary to jumpstart the offense.
On the mound for Atlanta, Chris Sale presents a formidable challenge. Sale, who was originally slated to start Game 2, will now pitch in the Braves' home opener of the series. He has dominated the Dodgers this year, holding them to a .172 batting average and allowing just three runs over 16 innings. Los Angeles will counter with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who in his only outing against the Braves limited them to a .174 average and struck out eight in 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball.
The Dodgers are aiming to break the deadlock and gain an edge in the series, and Roberts' potential lineup tweak could be a key factor in Game 3.
Originally reported by yahoo.