Dodgers Shake Up lineup, Aim to Regain Momentum in World Series Against Blue Jays
ARLINGTON, TX – October 25, 2024 - Facing a 2-2 World Series deadlock, the Los angeles Dodgers announced a critically important lineup overhaul for Wednesday’s Game 5 against the Toronto Blue Jays, signaling a desperate attempt to jumpstart a struggling offense. The changes come after a 6-2 loss in Game 4 on tuesday, prompting manager Dave Roberts to state he would “think long and hard” about the batting order.
The most notable shift sees shortstop Mookie betts moved from the No. 2 to the No. 3 spot. Catcher Will Smith will now bat leadoff, directly behind Shohei Ohtani. Roberts explained the move, stating, ”I just feel that that’s the best way to win the game tonight.”
Further down the order, outfielder Andy Pages has been benched after hitting just .080 this postseason, replaced by Alex Call in left field. Kiké Hernández will shift from left field to center field. Roberts highlighted the potential for Call to “get somebody on base for Shohei at the top,” improving at-bat quality and pitch recognition.
The Dodgers’ offensive woes have been a key factor in the series’ even split. After an explosive 18-run performance in the wild-card round, the team has struggled to consistently produce. They’ve batted .199 in the NL Division Series,.250 in the NL Championship Series, and have managed onyl three runs in the last 20 innings. The team is currently hitting .214 as a series.
“There’s a few of us that need to be prosperous,” Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman acknowledged. “It can’t always just be Shohei. We understand that.” Freeman emphasized the need for a more patient approach at the plate,stating,”I do think we just need to check down and have,like,almost a 0-1 mindset and just build innings,extend ’em,work counts,be who we are.”
Betts, in particular, has been cold, hitting just .147 over his last eight games and going one for six in the series following intentional walks to Ohtani. Roberts acknowledged some “mechanical things” with betts’ swing but stressed the immediate focus: “But right now, all that matters is just going out there and taking four or five good at-bats. So all I’m concerned about is tonight, and I know that’s what’s on Mookie’s mind too.”
Ohtani has had runners on base in just six of his 22 plate appearances this series, highlighting the need for hitters in front of him to reach base.
First pitch for Game 5 is scheduled for [Time] at [Location]. Fans can watch the game on [Broadcaster] and follow live scoring updates at [Score Source]. The Dodgers hope these lineup changes will provide the spark needed to regain control of the series.
