The Los Angeles Dodgers rejigged their lineup for Game 5 of the World Series to move catcher Will Smith to second in the batting order.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts dropped the slumping Mookie Betts to third in the order for Wednesday’s pivotal home matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays. Betts, who is batting .158 in the series, will hit between Smith and new cleanup hitter Freddie Freeman.
Alex Call was set to make his first start since the National League Division Series and bat ninth for Los Angeles. Call replaces Andy Pages, a strong defensive outfielder who has managed four hits in 50 playoff at-bats (.080 average) with 11 strikeouts and no walks.
Los Angeles will start Call in left field and bump Kike Hernandez to center field, with Teoscar Hernandez continuing to man right.
The Dodgers’ Game 1 starter, southpaw Blake Snell, returned to the mound to oppose Blue Jays rookie right-hander Trey Yesavage.
Toronto inserted the right-handed Davis Schneider to bat leadoff against Snell and replace Nathan Lukes in left field. George Springer (right side discomfort) was on the bench to begin a second straight game after injuring himself on a swing in Game 3.
The Blue Jays won 11-4 in Game 1 and 6-2 in Game 4 on Tuesday night to even the series following a pair of losses, including by a 6-5 score in Monday’s 18-inning epic.
They outscored the Dodgers 23-17, with a 44-34 advantage in hits, through the first four games.
Toronto will host Game 6 on Friday and Game 7 on Saturday if necessary.
–Field Level Media
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