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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.