Betts leads off, Ohtani bats second in latest October lineup

Ohtani returned from the injured list on Sept. 23.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 44m1 min read

Shohei Ohtani will bat 2nd in the lineup. Mookie Betts will lead off Via @BNightengale on X

What happened: Mookie Betts is set to hit first with Shohei Ohtani directly behind him in the order. The alignment matches Ohtani's Sept. 23 return lineup spot after his activation from the injured list.

Why it matters: Keeping Betts ahead of Ohtani stacks two of the lineup's highest-leverage plate appearances at the top as postseason games tighten. The decision also keeps Ohtani in a familiar spot while he manages knee and bicep issues into October.

By the numbers: Ohtani hit .232 with six homers over his last 35 games entering October, then returned for the season's final five games after being activated Sept. 23.

What to watch: Watch whether the order holds through October and whether Ohtani stays in the two-hole as his workload is managed.

Sources

@BNightengale 2026-10-03T17:10:31.028908+00:00

CONVERSATION

Loading comments…

MLBPreviewMookie BettsShohei Ohtani

Follow MLB Intelligence

Real-time signals and analysis

@WireReportMLB

WR Pro

The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.

$9/month Free weekly newsletter →