The Los Angeles Dodgers have made significant changes to their lineup ahead of Game 5 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, as they seek to improve their offensive performance. Manager Dave Roberts announced the adjustments after a lackluster offensive showing in the first four games, where the team struggled to find its rhythm in the postseason.
In a bid to enhance scoring opportunities, Will Smith has been moved to the No. 2 spot in the batting order, a position that will see Mookie Betts batting third for the first time in four years. Additionally, Alex Call replaces the struggling Andy Pages at the bottom of the lineup. These changes aim to provide Shohei Ohtani with better chances to drive in runs and more protection from opposing pitchers, particularly if the Blue Jays continue to pitch around him.
“In the postseason, you’ve got to be a little more reactive than in the regular season,” Roberts stated. “When I netted out the value of what I feel gives us the best chance to win today, that was a decision I made.”
Strategic Moves for Game 5
With the series tied at 2-2, Game 5 is a critical moment for the Dodgers, especially as they prepare to play in front of their home crowd. To retain the championship title, the Dodgers will need at least one win in Toronto. The possibility of Ohtani contributing from the bullpen is also being considered. After the Dodgers’ loss in Game 4, Ohtani expressed his desire to be available as a relief pitcher if needed in Games 6 or 7. While Roberts has not yet discussed this option with him, he remains open to the idea. “If he can go, if it makes sense,” Roberts said. “Certainly, he would be an option.”
Currently, the Dodgers’ offense has been underwhelming, posting a batting line of just .220/.314/.369 since the wild-card round and averaging only 3.8 runs per game, a stark contrast to their regular season average of 5.1 runs. They have struggled particularly in high-pressure situations, going just 6-for-29 with runners in scoring position.
The Blue Jays’ starter, Trey Yesavage, presents a significant challenge, particularly for left-handed hitters, as he has limited them to a .479 OPS during the season. Consequently, Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy have been moved to the fourth and seventh spots, respectively, to optimize their matchups against Yesavage.
Roberts’ decision to place Smith directly behind Ohtani is notable; he becomes the first catcher to hit second or higher in a World Series game since Mickey Cochrane in 1935. Smith has demonstrated resilience with a .348 on-base percentage since returning to the lineup in Game 3 of the National League Division Series.
Call’s inclusion in left field, with Enrique Hernandez starting in center, marks a significant shift. Pages, who has struggled throughout the playoffs with a mere 4-for-50 performance and 11 strikeouts, has been taken out of the lineup after a promising regular season in which he hit .272 with 27 home runs. His playoff OPS of .215 is the lowest ever for a player with at least 50 plate appearances in a single postseason.
Addressing Offensive Struggles
The entire Dodgers’ lineup has faced challenges as they enter this pivotal game. Freeman emphasized the need for patience at the plate, particularly against Yesavage, as they look to reclaim their offensive identity. “I think it’s just human nature,” Freeman said. “It’s the World Series. Sometimes you want to do a lot. That’s just kind of how it is.”
He acknowledged that recognizing the team’s patterns can help recalibrate their approach, stating, “We’re all human, we all want to hit home runs in the biggest of stages. It’s just kind of what happens. We’re four games in, we have seen the patterns, and now it’s on us to stop that pattern and get back to being who we are.”
As the Dodgers gear up for Game 5, the adjustments made by Roberts reflect a strategic effort to reignite the team’s performance in a high-stakes environment. With the series hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on how these changes impact the Dodgers’ quest for another championship title.
