In a bold move ahead of Game 5 of the World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, has made significant changes to the lineup in response to a struggling offense. With the series tied at 2-2, the Dodgers aim to regain momentum against the Toronto Blue Jays after averaging only 3.8 runs per game in the playoffs, well below their regular season average of 5.1 runs.
Roberts has shifted Will Smith to the No. 2 spot in the batting order, which allows Mookie Betts to move to third for the first time in four years. Additionally, rookie Alex Call replaces the underperforming Andy Pages at the bottom of the lineup. These adjustments are intended to enhance opportunities for Shohei Ohtani, who the team hopes can receive more runs batted in (RBI) chances and protection against potential intentional walks from the Blue Jays’ pitchers.
“If you look at the postseason, you have to be a little more reactive than in the regular season,” Roberts explained. “When I weighed the value of what gives us the best chance to win, these decisions were made.”
As the series progresses, the Dodgers face the crucial task of winning at least one game in Toronto to defend their championship title. The potential for Ohtani to contribute from the bullpen in later games adds another layer of strategy. Following the Dodgers’ Game 4 defeat, Ohtani expressed to Japanese media his desire to be available should the team require his assistance in Games 6 or 7.
Roberts has yet to discuss this possibility directly with Ohtani but indicated openness to the idea, stating, “If he can go, if it makes sense, he would certainly be an option.”
The Dodgers’ offense has struggled significantly during the postseason, posting a batting average of just .220 and an on-base percentage of .314. Their performance with runners in scoring position stands at a disappointing 6-for-29. Notably, Blue Jays starter Trey Yesavage has excelled against left-handed hitters this season, prompting Roberts to adjust the placement of lefties Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy to the fourth and seventh spots, respectively.
Smith’s positioning behind Ohtani is particularly notable; he becomes the first catcher to bat second or higher in a World Series game since Mickey Cochrane in 1935, according to ESPN Research. Betts, who has struggled with a .158 average in the World Series (3-for-19), will now bat lower in the order, a tactical shift aimed at revitalizing the team’s offensive capabilities.
Call, a right-handed hitter known for his tenacity at the plate, will start in left field, while Enrique Hernandez takes the center field position for only his fourth start this season. Pages has been moved from the lineup after a dismal postseason performance, hitting just .080 with 11 strikeouts and no walks.
Freeman emphasized the need for the team to be disciplined against Yesavage’s pitching, stating, “It’s important not to chase pitches down in the zone. We need to focus on working counts and building innings.” He acknowledged the pressures of the World Series might be affecting players’ performance, saying, “We all want to hit home runs in the biggest of stages. It’s just human nature.”
As the Dodgers enter this pivotal game, the adjustments in the lineup reflect both strategic foresight and a response to the urgent need for offensive improvement. With the stakes high, the team’s ability to capitalize on these changes could be crucial in their quest for another championship title.
