In a pivotal Game 5 of the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers are set to make significant changes to their lineup as they face off against the Toronto Blue Jays. With the series tied at 2-2, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is looking to address ongoing struggles at the plate.
The most notable adjustment involves Mookie Betts moving from second to third in the batting order, with Will Smith stepping in as the new batter behind star Shohei Ohtani. In addition, the Dodgers will replace Andy Pages with Alex Call in the No. 9 spot. These changes come in response to Betts’ decline in performance this postseason, where he has been hitting just .250 with no home runs—his batting average plummeting to .147 since the start of the NL Championship Series.
Meanwhile, Pages’ struggles have been even more pronounced. His postseason batting average of .125, including only one hit in 15 at-bats during the World Series, has raised concerns. His .215 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) is historically low for a player with at least 50 plate appearances in a single postseason, prompting the Dodgers to seek a more reliable option in Call. Notably, Call has matched Pages’ four hits this postseason in significantly fewer at-bats, suggesting he could provide more offensive support.
However, the decision to bring in Call comes with its drawbacks. While Call is set to assume the left-field position, the absence of Pages will be felt defensively, as Call cannot play center field. This opens the door for 34-year-old utility player Kiké Hernández to start in center for the first time this postseason, despite limited experience in that role during the regular season.
Roberts expressed confidence in these decisions, emphasizing the importance of maximizing at-bat quality to support Ohtani, who has been a standout performer in October with 11 extra-base hits. The lineup adjustments aim to create better opportunities for Ohtani and mitigate the offensive slump affecting the rest of the Dodgers’ batting order, which has collectively struggled to produce runs after a stellar regular season.
With these tactical changes, the Dodgers are hoping to turn the tide in their favor in Game 5, showcasing their resilience and adaptability in the high-stakes atmosphere of the World Series. The fans will be eager to see if these adjustments lead to a crucial victory on the road to clinching the championship.