Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has moved Shohei Ohtani to the cleanup spot for Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves.
The change comes as the Dodgers hold a 2-1 series lead and look to generate more offense from their star hitter.
Ohtani, who had been a regular leadoff hitter, was dropped to fifth for Tuesday's game before moving up one spot to fourth on Wednesday.
Roberts acknowledged Ohtani's slump but expressed confidence in his ability to recover.
"It's not what we all expect, what he expects from himself," Roberts said.
"But I do feel that just the talent, the care, it's going to happen."
Ohtani had built 35 career leadoff home runs, according to the source article.
Roberts emphasized that winning remains the priority while Ohtani works through his downturn.
"So I think it's just up to all of us to keep winning baseball games, and then at some point he's going to come to life," Roberts said.
The lineup adjustment comes amid questions about whether Ohtani fully recovered from an injury that limited him near the end of the regular season.
Los Angeles entered Game 4 with a 2-1 lead in the NLDS.
