Dave Roberts discussed his lineup adjustments ahead of Game 5 of the World Series, moving Will Smith up to second, Mookie Betts down to third, and inserting Alex Call into left field. The Dodgers manager said the changes were made to give his team the “best chance to win today.”
As the Dodgers prepare for a pivotal Game 5 of the World Series, manager Dave Roberts spoke with the media about the lineup adjustments he made in hopes of reigniting the team’s offense. After hinting at possible changes following Game 4, Roberts followed through, inserting Alex Call into the lineup and moving Kiké Hernández to center field, while also shuffling the top of the order.
“I felt that at the bottom, just [Call] had quality at-bats, seeing pitches, the potential to get somebody on base for Shohei [Ohtani] at the top,” Roberts said pregame. “I feel good with Kiké in center field and Alex’s defense in left. As far as Mookie [Betts] and Will [Smith], I just feel that’s the best way to win the game tonight.”
The Dodgers’ new lineup features Smith moving up to the No. 2 spot, Betts dropping to third, and Freddie Freeman in the cleanup role. Roberts emphasized that both Betts and Smith were informed and on board with the decision. “In the postseason, you’ve got to be a little bit more reactive than the regular season,” Roberts explained. “When I netted out what I feel gives us the best chance to win today, that was the decision I made.”
Betts has endured a difficult stretch at the plate, batting just .158 in the World Series. Roberts acknowledged that some of Betts’ recent struggles come from a mix of strong opposing pitching and minor mechanical issues. “There are some mechanical things,” he said. “But right now, all that matters is going out there and taking four or five quality at-bats.”
Roberts also addressed why Miguel Rojas was not in the starting lineup, citing both Tommy Edman’s lingering ankle issue and the matchup against Blue Jays starter Trey Yesavage. “Tommy’s ankle isn’t all the way there—he could play, as he did in Game 3—but I also feel that Alex, especially versus Yesavage, is going to take some really good at-bats.”
Facing elimination pressure, the Dodgers are counting on their retooled lineup to generate early offense and regain momentum. “I’m relaxed, but I’m focused,” Roberts said. “Our players are going to leave it all out there to win tonight. Then whatever happens, we’ll pick up the pieces and get on a plane to Toronto.”