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2d ago

Dodgers' Game 5 Lineup Shakeup Falls Flat in 6-1 Loss to Blue Jays

The changes reflected a bid to counter a prolonged slump with runners in scoring position that has stifled Los Angeles’ postseason offense.

The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts shows his frustration after striking out for the final out of their 11-4 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in Toronto. The slumping Betts was dropped from No. 2 to No. 3 in the lineup for Game 5 to get Will Smith hitting behind Shohei Ohtani. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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Overview

  • Manager Dave Roberts elevated Will Smith to the No. 2 spot, dropped Mookie Betts to third, benched Andy Pages, moved Kiké Hernández to center, and inserted Alex Call in left.
  • Toronto won Game 5, 6-1, as the Dodgers mustered four hits and struck out 15 times, with Hernández providing their lone extra-base hit on a solo homer.
  • Betts went 0 for 4 after the order change, while Smith went 1 for 4, a move Roberts said was based on at-bat quality and to ease pressure that can follow Shohei Ohtani.
  • Pages’ benching followed a 4-for-50 postseason with no walks; Roberts cited a need for better pitch selection, on-base chances at the bottom, and improved outfield defense.
  • Shohei Ohtani threw 93 pitches in Game 4, and Roberts said he could be a bullpen option later in the series if appropriate; Game 6 is Friday in Toronto with Yoshinobu Yamamoto facing Kevin Gausman.