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For Game 4 of the National League Championship Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers are restoring Shohei Ohtani to the top of their batting order, a spot he occupied for most of the season but vacated in Game 3 when he hit sixth. Ohtani, who has been mired in a slump since returning from injury late in the regular season, showed a positive sign with a sharp single off DL Hall in Game 3, though he has yet to record an extra-base hit or RBI this postseason.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in Ohtani's approach, saying, "Just seeing the work the last couple days, I like where his head is at. I liked the at-bats yesterday, and I felt that trying to shake it up a little bit. Obviously we haven't performed the way that we're capable of, so to kind of shake it up a little bit but something that's of somewhat normalcy that our guys are used to."
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers are countering with a lineup heavy on left-handed bats against Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow. Christian Yelich, Sal Frelick, and David Hamilton are inserted into the starting nine, joining regulars Brice Turang, Jake Bauers, and Garrett Mitchell. Hamilton's speed could be a factor, as Glasnow has struggled to control the running game; in Game 2, Hamilton reached base three times and scored on each occasion.
Key Analysis
The Dodgers' decision to move Ohtani back to leadoff reflects a desire to jumpstart an offense that has underperformed in the series. Ohtani's struggles are likely tied to his injury, but his Game 3 single may indicate a turning point. For the Brewers, the lefty-heavy lineup aims to exploit Glasnow's weaknesses, particularly on the basepaths, where Hamilton's speed could disrupt the pitcher's rhythm. This strategic matchup could determine the outcome of a pivotal Game 4.
Originally reported by yahoo.