Dodgers Shake Up Lineup, Ohtani Eyes Bullpen Role in Game 5

UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers have made urgent lineup changes ahead of Game 5 of the World Series, as manager Dave Roberts seeks to ignite a struggling offense. With the series tied at 2-2, Roberts has repositioned key players to maximize scoring opportunities against the Toronto Blue Jays.

In a bold move, Will Smith has been elevated to the No. 2 spot, pushing Mookie Betts to third for the first time in four years. Alex Call replaces the struggling Andy Pages at the bottom of the batting order. These changes aim to enhance Shohei Ohtani’s chances for RBIs and provide him with better protection as the Blue Jays have been pitching around him.

Roberts emphasized the need for adaptability, stating, “In the postseason, you’ve got to be a little more reactive than in the regular season.” He noted that the decision was made to give the Dodgers the best chance to win.

The Dodgers, averaging only 3.8 runs per game in the playoffs, are currently slashing a disappointing .220/.314/.369 since the Wild Card round. With 6-for-29 performance with runners in scoring position, the pressure is on the team to capitalize on scoring chances.

Game 5 is crucial, with the Dodgers needing to secure at least one win in Toronto to defend their championship title. Ohtani has expressed a willingness to assist from the bullpen in the upcoming games, revealing to Japanese media that he wants to stay ready for Game 6 or 7 if necessary. While Roberts has yet to discuss this option with Ohtani, he remains open to the idea, indicating that “if he can go, if it makes sense, he would be an option.”

The stakes are high as the Dodgers aim to reverse their offensive slump. Freddie Freeman, one of the team’s standout players, has emphasized the need to be patient and work counts against Blue Jays’ starter Trey Yesavage, who has limited left-handed hitters to a .479 OPS this season.

Roberts’ lineup adjustments also reflect the urgency of the moment. Smith, with a .348 on-base percentage since returning in the NLDS, will now bat directly behind Ohtani, a historic move that marks the first time since Mickey Cochrane in 1935 that a catcher has hit second or higher in a World Series game.

Pages, who has struggled throughout the playoffs with a .215 OPS, has been a focal point of concern. With only 4-for-50 in the postseason, he has been replaced to provide more stability at the bottom of the order. The Dodgers must find consistency in their hitting if they are to overcome the Blue Jays in this pivotal matchup.

As the Dodgers prepare for this critical game, the pressure to perform mounts. Freeman captured the sentiment of the team, stating, “We’re all human, we all want to hit home runs in the biggest of stages. It’s just kind of how it is.”

Fans and players alike are anxious to see if these changes will spark a turnaround in the Dodgers’ offense. The game is set to begin at 8:00 PM EDT at Dodger Stadium, and the urgency is palpable as the team seeks to reclaim their momentum in the World Series.