Roberts: Ohtani Is Playing in Game 3 — End of Discussion

Dave Roberts isn't entertaining any debate. Despite a rough stretch at the plate, Shohei Ohtani is locked into the Dodgers' lineup for Game 3 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers — and his manager wants everyone to know it.

Roberts addressed reporters Tuesday and left zero ambiguity about his superstar's availability, according to ESPN. Ohtani himself is apparently pushing just as hard to stay in the lineup as his manager is to keep him there.

'Adamant' — Roberts' Word, Not Ours

Roberts didn't just confirm Ohtani's presence for Wednesday's Game 3 — he described the two-way phenom as adamant about suiting up. That's a telling choice of words. This isn't a manager protecting a star player from himself; this is a player demanding to compete at the highest level when it matters most.

That kind of mentality is exactly what makes Ohtani appointment viewing. Whether he's locked in or grinding through a slump, he shows up. That competitive edge is part of what made him one of the most talked-about athletes heading into Vote for Shohei Ohtani at the 2026 ESPYs!.

Struggling, But Still the Most Dangerous Name in the Order

Let's be honest — Ohtani hasn't looked like himself in this postseason run. His bat has been quieter than Dodgers fans would like, and Milwaukee's pitching staff will absolutely try to exploit any mechanical issues or pitch-recognition problems he's been showing.

But here's the thing about elite players in slumps: they're still elite. Opposing pitchers can't just decide to dominate Ohtani. One mistake, one hanging slider in a big spot, and the entire complexion of a series changes. The Brewers know that. Roberts knows that. And Ohtani definitely knows that.

Keeping him in the lineup isn't blind loyalty — it's sound strategy. You don't bench a generational talent because of a rough week. You let him work through it on the biggest stage possible.

What Game 3 Means for the Series

The NLCS is at a pivotal point. Game 3 is the kind of game that historically reshapes series momentum, and the Dodgers need their best players available and aggressive. Los Angeles is banking on Ohtani snapping out of his funk at exactly the right moment.

Roberts clearly isn't interested in protective lineups or cautious rotations right now. He's going with his horses — and Ohtani is the biggest horse in the stable. The manager's public declaration also serves a secondary purpose: it sends a message of confidence to the rest of the clubhouse. When your star is in, everybody's in.

The Bigger Picture

It's worth stepping back and appreciating what Ohtani's postseason involvement represents. Across the sports world, we're seeing elite athletes redefine what commitment and durability look like at the championship level. Compare that to the kinds of difficult decisions other top-tier competitors face — like Nikola Jokic leaning toward delaying his Nuggets extension again, weighing personal stakes against team priorities. Ohtani's answer, apparently, is simple: he plays.

Wednesday night in the NLCS is as big as it gets for the Dodgers right now. Roberts has drawn his line in the dirt. Ohtani is in the lineup, he wants to be in the lineup, and the only people who seem to have a problem with that are the Milwaukee Brewers.

Time to deliver, Shohei.

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