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On this Wednesday morning edition of Dodgers Dougout Live, Doug McKain breaks down Dave Roberts’ decision to start Shohei Ohtani in NLCS Game 3, reacts to Ohtani’s comments on his swing and injuries, and shares what the Dodgers must do to beat the Brewers and get back in the series.
The Dodgers are down 0-2 to Milwaukee, and Ohtani is starting Game 3 despite his slump. Dave Roberts says Ohtani will start Game 3 and likely bat somewhere in the middle of the lineup, around fifth or sixth. Shohei Ohtani is hitting .150 this postseason with no extra-base hits and hasn't homered since August 18. The Dodgers are choosing to "ride or die" with him, which puts heavy pressure on Ohtani.
The data behind the slump: Shohei Ohtani's bat speed is still there, but his timing is badly off, according to MLB's analysis. His late-swing rate has jumped from about 25% to 37%, his September strikeout rate was 39%, and he has just one hit against 95+ mph pitches since August 19. DMAC compares Ohtani to "Mike Tyson fighting with both hands tied behind his back."
Risk versus the "cornered wolf" argument: The Dodgers could regret the decision if Ohtani looks hurt and goes hitless. This team thrives with its back against the wall, pointing to the 2024 NLDS comeback over the Padres and the 2025 World Series win over Toronto.
The odds and the backup plan: The likely plan is to move Ohtani down the lineup and consider Josue De Paula if that fails. Teams down 0-3 rarely come back, and the Dodgers need to win all three home games to take control.
Dave Roberts' press conference: Dave Roberts says Ohtani was never "benched," and compares the situation to giving Freddie Freeman a few days to reset in 2024. Doc says Ohtani showed "conviction" that he's close to a mechanical fix. Roberts also praises Ohtani for squaring to bunt in Game 2 and says the lineup spot depends on Brewers starter Robert Gasser.
Shohei Ohtani's comments to the media: Ohtani says his symptoms have "subdued a lot" after his time on the IL. Shohei calls the swing a "daily process" of trying different things and says he takes "full responsibility" for the results. He also says the injuries shouldn't be the reason he can't hit and that his priority is the team winning.
DMAC’s Keys to Game 3:
- The Dodgers are 2-for-26 with runners in scoring position this postseason, so they need to commit to contact.
- They should work counts against Milwaukee's bullpen, which has thrown 9⅔ scoreless innings.
- Blake Snell needs a signature start and must attack the zone, since Milwaukee had MLB's lowest chase rate in the regular season (26.9%).
- Will Smith should move down the lineup and Kyle Tucker up.
The Seventh Inning Stretch: DMAC reads fan comments, jokes about the Padres' empty trophy case, and talks favorite baseball movies like *Major League* and *Bad News Bears*. Doug predicts a Dodgers Game 3 win with full confidence.
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