Facing elimination in Game 6 of the World Series, the Dodgers shook up their lineup again in a bid to save their season.
For the second straight game, Mookie Betts was moved down in the order, going to the cleanup spot after hitting third in Game 5. Freddie Freeman was bumped up to the three-hole, with Will Smith staying in Betts’ old spot batting second behind Shohei Ohtani.
Lower down, there was another change. Miguel Rojas is at second base for his first start since Game 2 of the National League Division Series. Tommy Edman kicked out to center field, a spot he had only played once previously this postseason (for the final five innings of Monday’s 18-inning marathon). Alex Call was dropped to the bench after starting Game 5.
“I just really wanted Miggy in there,” manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s been a really glue guy for our club this year, and I just feel that having him in the lineup infuses some extra intensity, energy into the lineup. On the defensive side too.”
As for Betts, who entered Friday batting .130 in the World Series and .164 since the start of the National League Division Series, Roberts was encouraged by how he looked in his off-day batting practice session Thursday.
“I think that where his swing is at mechanically is as good as it’s been in a week,” Roberts said. “So I really feel good about that.”
On the pitching side, Roberts said Shohei Ohtani would not be an option for Game 6, but could potentially open or come out of the bullpen in Game 7. Tyler Glasnow was available for a potential relief outing in Game 6, even though Roberts indicated his preference was going to be to try and save him for a Game 7 if possible.
“You got to win today,” Roberts said. “That’s most important.”
