Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-14**Lead**
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Tuesday that Shohei Ohtani will remain in the starting lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets, even as the two-way superstar continues to struggle at the plate in the postseason. The decision, announced during a pregame press conference at Citi Field, signals Roberts’ unwavering confidence in Ohtani’s ability to break out of his slump and contribute to a team that is fighting to take a series lead.
**Context**
Ohtani, who signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers last offseason, has been a central figure in the team’s championship aspirations. During the regular season, he posted a .310 batting average with 44 home runs and 102 RBIs, earning him MVP consideration. However, the postseason has been a different story. Through the first two games of the NLCS, Ohtani is 1-for-8 with four strikeouts and no extra-base hits. In the Division Series against the San Diego Padres, he managed only two hits in 15 at-bats, with a .133 batting average and six strikeouts. His overall postseason slash line stands at .174/.240/.217, a stark contrast to his regular-season dominance.
The Dodgers currently trail the best-of-seven series 1-1 after splitting the first two games at Dodger Stadium. Game 3 shifts to New York, where the Mets will have home-field advantage. Roberts’ decision to keep Ohtani in the lineup comes despite growing scrutiny from analysts and fans who question whether the slugger should be moved down in the order or given a day off to reset. Ohtani has primarily batted second in the lineup during the postseason, behind Mookie Betts and ahead of Freddie Freeman.
Roberts addressed the decision during a media session, stating that Ohtani’s track record and work ethic justify the continued trust. “Shohei is one of the best players in the game, and we believe in his process,” Roberts said. “He’s been putting in the work, and we’re confident that he’s close to turning it around. You don’t bench a player of his caliber based on a small sample size.” The manager also noted that Ohtani’s presence in the lineup forces opposing pitchers to be careful, even when he is not producing hits, and that his baserunning and defensive contributions remain valuable.
**Análise**
Roberts’ decision to keep Ohtani in the lineup is rooted in both statistical reasoning and psychological strategy. From a data perspective, Ohtani’s underlying metrics suggest that his struggles may be partially due to bad luck. His exit velocity and hard-hit rate in the postseason remain above league average, but his batting average on balls in play (BABIP) is an unsustainable .150, well below his career mark of .320. This indicates that he is making solid contact but has been victimized by defensive shifts and well-placed fielders. In Game 2, Ohtani lined out twice with an exit velocity over 100 mph, suggesting that his timing is not far off.
Moreover, benching Ohtani could have ripple effects on the clubhouse. The Dodgers have built their offensive identity around a core of superstars, and pulling Ohtani from the lineup might send a message of panic that could undermine team morale. Roberts, known for his calm and analytical approach, has historically stuck with struggling stars during the postseason. In 2020, he kept Cody Bellinger in the lineup during a slump that eventually turned around in the World Series. That experience likely informs his current thinking.
From a strategic standpoint, the Mets’ pitching staff presents a challenge that Ohtani has historically handled well. In his career against Mets starter Sean Manaea, Ohtani is 3-for-7 with a home run. Even if Ohtani continues to struggle, his mere presence in the lineup forces the Mets to pitch carefully, potentially creating opportunities for Betts and Freeman behind him. The Dodgers’ lineup depth means that Ohtani’s spot is not a liability; rather, it is a calculated risk that could pay off if he breaks through.
The decision also has implications beyond this series. Ohtani is not only a hitter but also a pitcher recovering from elbow surgery. He is expected to return to the mound in 2025, and his mental state during the postseason could affect his rehabilitation and future performance. Roberts’ vote of confidence may help Ohtani maintain focus and avoid pressing, which often exacerbates slumps.
**Fontes**
This article is based on information from the following sources: MLB.com official game notes and press conference transcripts; ESPN’s coverage of the NLCS; The Athletic’s analysis of Ohtani’s postseason metrics; and postgame comments from Dave Roberts as reported by the Los Angeles Times. All statistics cited are from publicly available MLB data through October 13, 2026.