Okay, so the Dodgers snatched a 6-3 win against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday to kick off their series, which is cool. But let’s be real, the headline isn’t that win. It’s that superstar Shohei Ohtani is OUT OF THE LINEUP AGAIN for Tuesday’s game, and this is getting intense. He just got back on Monday after four days off, right? Everyone was holding their breath, hoping those “multiple injuries” he’s been battling were finally on the mend. What happened? A big fat 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk. Not exactly the power surge you expect from a guy like Ohtani. Now, he’s back on the bench, and the team’s just hoping this extra time off gives him a miracle chance to actually heal up. When your cornerstone is struggling that much and repeatedly out, it’s a massive red flag for the whole club.
Ohtani’s Absence Means a Major Lineup Shuffle
With Ohtani sidelined and not leading off, you know Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had to completely tear up his usual batting order. It’s a whole new look for Tuesday night’s game. Tommy Edman is stepping into the leadoff spot and taking over center field duties. Mookie Betts slides into the two-hole at shortstop, and catcher Will Smith is batting third. Freddie Freeman, their usual first baseman, is shifting to designated hitter and hitting cleanup, bringing that consistent power. Teoscar Hernández is out in right field, batting fifth. Miguel Rojas takes over at second base, hitting sixth. Alex Call is moving over to left field, and Max Muncy is at third base, batting eighth. Rounding out the order at first base is Kiké Hernández, stepping in for Freeman. It’s a huge reshuffle, all because Ohtani just can’t seem to get healthy enough to consistently contribute.
Skubal on the Bump: Can He Deliver the Series Win?
Now, let’s talk about the guy who’s gotta hold it down on the mound tonight: Tarik Skubal. This dude was their big splash at the trade deadline, a true star pitcher. He’s been solid all season long, with an 8-7 record, a slick 2.86 ERA, and a whopping 159 strikeouts. Since landing with the Dodgers about a month ago, he’s sitting at 1-2 with a 3.03 ERA and 43 strikeouts. He’s shown flashes, but they need him to be lights out tonight, especially with the Ohtani situation hanging over them.
He’ll be staring down Nick Lodolo for the Reds, whose season numbers are 3-3 with a 5.08 ERA and 69 strikeouts. On paper, Skubal absolutely has the advantage. The Dodgers are looking to clinch this three-game series tonight, and with Ohtani out, Skubal’s performance isn’t just critical, it’s everything for getting that win. Can he deliver that dominant start and push them to a series victory? You can catch all the action at 7:10 p.m. PT on SportsNet LA. Get ready, because this one feels like it’s gonna be a battle.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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