Shohei Otani will start in Game 3, US media: ``Hope is not a strategy''

Shohei Ohtani of the Major League Dodgers has been unable to break free from a serious slump.

He has a batting average of .150 in six games this postseason. No home runs. There are also concerns about the effects on his right upper arm and left knee, which he injured during the season. In the National League Championship Series (NLCS, best of seven games) against the Brewers, the team was unable to ride the wave and suffered two consecutive losses from the first game.

The team will play their third game on the 14th (15th Japan time) at their home base in Los Angeles. Otani was included in the starting lineup as the ``number 6 designated hitter.'' Manager Roberts said at the pregame press conference, ``Shohei is completely satisfied with (the change in batting order).He has the attitude of doing whatever it takes to win.''

Many local media outlets have expressed harsh opinions and questioned the appointment of Otani, who has won the season MVP (Most Valuable Player Award) four times in total.

On the night of the 12th, the day of the second game, the sports media outlet ``The Athletic'' reported from interviews with team officials that there is a possibility that Otani will not be in the starting lineup for the third game.

On the 13th, the Los Angeles Times, a leading local newspaper, published a column entitled, ``The Dodgers should have removed Shohei Ohtani from their postseason roster.''

"Hope is not a strategy"...