Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Explains Surprise Lineup Decisions for World Series Game 5

Oct 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) walks to the mound during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game three of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shuffled the lineup ahead of Game 5 of the World Series.

Superstar shortstop Mookie Betts was moved to third in the batting order, All-Star catcher Will Smith was swapped to the No. 2 spot, and Alex Call is replacing Andy Pages' spot in the lineup.

Call will be starting in left field and Kiké Hernández will be starting in center.

The skipper spoke on the move ahead of the pivotal contest.

More news: Dodgers to Make Massive Lineup Change For Game 5 of World Series

“Obviously getting Alex in there, I felt that at the bottom, just the at-bat quality, seeing pitches, the potential to get someone on base for Shohei (Ohtani) at the top,” Roberts said. “I feel good with Kiké (Hernandez) in center field and Alex’s defense in left.”

As for moving around Betts and Smith, Roberts confirmed that all parties were good to go with the edit.

“I feel that that’s the best way to win the game tonight,” Roberts said. “Both players were alerted and both players are all on board.”

Betts is hitting just .158 through the World Series, and Smith is hitting .235 thus far. Despite being reluctant to move Betts down in the order during the regular season amid his career-worst slump, Roberts spoke on why he chose now to make the change.

“I think in the postseason you have to be a little more reactive than in the regular season.”

More news: Who’s Pitching for Dodgers in World Series Game 5 vs Blue Jays?

Pages has had clear struggles all postseason long, batting just .080 with an OPS of .215. He has four hits, one RBI, and 11 strikeouts in 50 at-bats. Specifically in the World Series, Pages is 1-for-15, good for a .067 batting average.

The unfortunate offensive production lately can perhaps be tied to Game 4 being just 17 hours after an 18-inning Game 3, but the Blue Jays had the same circumstances and looked formidable.

The Dodgers will have their new-look lineup to feature out of the gate on Wednesday, and starting things off on the mound will be southpaw Blake Snell, fresh off a disappointing Game 1 and presumably looking for some revenge.

Game 5 begins at 5:00 p.m. PT at Dodger Stadium as the series will then head back to Canada.

For more Dodgers news, head over to Dodgers on SI.