Shohei Ohtani is hitting fourth for the Dodgers in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski, a significant shift for a player who’s spent nearly all of his three years with the team batting leadoff or second. This lineup change comes as Ohtani grapples with a prolonged slump that has seen his production plummet.
Shohei’s Postseason Shuffle and The Slump No One Saw Coming
It’s been a rough stretch for Ohtani, whose placement in the lineup has been anything but rigid lately. He’s batted second, fourth, and fifth so far in the postseason, a direct result of a month-plus slump that’s got everyone talking. Manager Dave Roberts admitted Friday he hasn’t settled on Ohtani’s spot, saying it’s “probably somewhere between one and five, I would say, or two and five.”
The numbers don’t lie, and they’re pretty jarring for a slugger like Ohtani. His last home run was way back on August 18 at Coors Field. Since then, he’s logged 101 plate appearances and 22 full games without going deep, hitting a meager .151/.277/.198 during that cold streak. Even in the NLDS against the Braves, he managed just two singles and two walks in 16 plate appearances, though he did snag a stolen base in Game 4. The team desperately needs him to get back to form, and batting fourth is a clear signal they’re trying to spark something.
Kiké Hernández Steps Up When It Matters Most
While Ohtani’s struggling, Kiké Hernández is stepping up, earning his third straight start in Game 1 of the NLCS. He’s playing second base and batting ninth against the Brewers. What’s even more interesting is this is his second straight start against a right-handed pitcher, despite typically getting the nod against lefties. Hernández showed up big in the NLDS, even homering in Game 3 against Chris Sale of the Braves. The guy’s clearly finding a groove, and that’s huge for the Dodgers.
Facing Misiorowski: A Tough Test for a Slumping Slugger
Game 1 puts Ohtani directly against a tough opponent in Jacob Misiorowski, the Brewers’ ace. This guy has been lights out against the Dodgers, posting a 1.59 ERA and striking out 27 batters in 17 innings over three games, including last year’s NLCS. The only run Misiorowski allowed in his fifth major league start on July 8, 2025, was a home run by Ohtani himself. So, there’s history there.
But Roberts isn’t solely focused on Ohtani going yard. He stressed Saturday night in Milwaukee, “It’s one of those things that for tomorrow it’s just get on base, take good at-bats, and we’ll deal with whatever. Honestly it’s the same message for everyone.” He added, “Shohei is known for his slug, but when you’re facing Jacob, it’s just you’ve got to take good at-bats. If you run into a homer, great. But if you can earn a walk, fantastic.” It sounds like the message is clear: production means anything positive for the team. The Dodgers need everyone to do their part in this NLCS opener.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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