Shohei Ohtani Expected Back in Dodgers Lineup for NLCS Game 3

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in the midst of another deep postseason run, looking to win yet another World Series.

And one of the biggest, if not the biggest, stars in baseball is in a slump but will be in the lineup for Game 3 of the NLCS. According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Shohei Ohtani is expected to be in the lineup for Game 3. And with the team's World Series expectations, his ability to perform is significant.

He's one of the most dynamic players in MLB, capable of changing a game with one swing, and every game becomes increasingly important this deep into an October run.

Shohei Ohtani Expected Back for NLCS Game 3

For starters, Ohtani is a huge offensive weapon for Los Angeles because he's a home run threat every time he steps to the plate. His presence completely changes how opposing pitchers approach the Dodgers lineup, especially with the talent surrounding him in that batting order.

And while he hasn't been as good as expected at times this season, and more recently, he's still a game changer. In the postseason, all it takes is one good game to get your bat going again, and that's what makes him so important.

If the Dodgers are going to pull off another World Series run, it will require Ohtani to be productive in the lineup.

Dodgers Need Shohei Ohtani to Break Out of Slump

The bigger story isn't just that he'll be in the lineup. He's been struggling and needs to break out of this slump. The four-time MVP is hitting just .150 this postseason, with three hits in 20 at-bats and no extra-base hits or RBIs.

He's also been dealing with lingering knee and biceps injuries, and there were questions about whether giving him a game off would be the better option. But at this point of the postseason, the Dodgers don't have much room for error.

Los Angeles trails Milwaukee 2-0 in the NLCS after losing Game 2, making Game 3 feel like a must-win contest. The Dodgers are trying to pull off their third consecutive World Series championship, but their offense has been struggling.

If they're going to overcome this two-game deficit, Ohtani getting back to his old self will be pretty mandatory.