Dave Roberts keeps Shohei Ohtani in Dodgers' NLCS Game 3 lineup despite postseason struggles

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts probably never thought he'd have to take Shohei Ohtani out of his lineup during a postseason series. Ever.

But after the team went down 2-0 in the NLCS to the Milwaukee Brewers, with Ohtani struggling at the plate, a decision had to be made heading into Game 3 at Dodger Stadium.

The final verdict? Roberts will be trusting his Japanese superstar.

"Hes adamant he feels good enough to be in there," Roberts told reporters, via The New York Post, during the teams off-day on Tuesday regarding Ohtanis left knee and right arm ailments hes been dealing with. "Hes close to finding something with his swing. I feel great about it."

Ohtani has been serving as the Dodgers designated hitter, but he has been slumping throughout the postseason. His batting average is now down to a measly .150 after going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in the Game 2 loss to the Brewers in Milwaukee. He also hasnt had an extra-base hit or an RBI in the playoffs.

It was Roberts who started the debate over whether Ohtani should be in the Game 3 lineup after his postgame comments on Monday night to The Athletic.

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Roberts ultimately decided the four-time MVP should get another shot after having a meeting with president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Brandon Gomes.

"He was very convicted that he is onto something mechanically," Roberts added. "He was adamant that he can help us, hes well enough to help us win a baseball game. So, thats all I needed to hear."

Ohtani, through his interpreter Will Ireton, added: "The symptoms shouldnt be the reason why I cant hit. He said he takes "full responsibility" for how hes played thus far in October.

Ohtanis injuries are ones hes dealt with throughout the regular season, with his arm requiring an injured list stint to try and get better.

But its clearly stymied the slugger, who hasnt hit a home run since Aug. 18 – a stretch Ohtani is not used to.

Roberts noted that his confidence in Ohtani has "never wavered," and his Game 3 decision is a testament to that.

Will it work out in a game that feels like a must-win to get momentum back on the side of the back-to-back World Series champions?