Ohtani returns to leadoff in NLCS Game 4 as Dodgers chase a win

Shohei Ohtani is back atop the Dodgers’ order for Thursday’s NLCS Game 4 against the Brewers, with Los Angeles facing left-hander Shane Drohan in a must-win spot after a postseasons in which Ohtani’s power and production have lagged.

By The Apex Times Newsroom1 min readAI-assisted Apex article

The Dodgers have restored Shohei Ohtani to the leadoff spot for NLCS Game 4 against the Brewers, a must-win game that pivots on Los Angeles’ ability to generate early offense against left-hander Shane Drohan.

Ohtani had cycled through different batting order positions in the first three games of the series, but MLB’s lineup notice for Game 4 places him at the top for Los Angeles.

The lineup shift comes amid a difficult postseason for the four-time MVP. Through seven games entering Game 4, Ohtani was hitting 5-for-28 with no home runs and no RBIs.

MLB also reported that Ohtani’s regular-season and postseason production has been affected for months by lingering right biceps and left knee issues dating back to June. Entering Game 4, he went 1-for-2 with a walk in Game 3.

The broader slowdown has been stark. MLB reported that in his 35 games prior to Game 4, including the regular season and postseason, Ohtani was hitting.197 with a.629 OPS, and that the last time he homered was Aug. 18 at Coors Field. It also noted he had driven in one run since then and logged a career-high 110 plate appearances without a home run, including the postseason.

Why It Matters

Batting Ohtani leadoff changes how the Dodgers sequence their top-of-order at-bats in a game where they cannot afford to fall behind in the series.
The move reflects a response to Ohtani’s postseason production gap, including a lack of extra-base damage and limited run production.
Facing a left-hander in Shane Drohan makes Ohtani’s role at the top more consequential for Los Angeles’ ability to set the table early.
If Ohtani’s at-bats start generating baserunners, it could also stabilize the Dodgers’ middle-of-order opportunities in the final innings.

Sources

Key Facts

Shohei Ohtani is batting leadoff for the Dodgers in NLCS Game 4.
Game 4 is a must-win situation for Los Angeles against the Brewers.
The Brewers are starting left-hander Shane Drohan.
MLB reported Ohtani went 5-for-28 in the postseason entering Game 4 with no home runs and no RBIs over seven games.
MLB reported Ohtani’s last home run prior to Game 4 came on Aug. 18 at Coors Field.
MLB cited right biceps and left knee injuries that have lingered since at least June as part of Ohtani’s ongoing struggles.