Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts decided Game 5 of the 2025 World Series has become too big to hold back any longer.
The Dodgers are making changes now that their matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays is deadlocked at two wins apiece after two thrilling games at Dodger Stadium settled nothing between MLB's best teams. So heading into the Dodgers' final home game of the year on Wednesday night, the team announced a new-look lineup to face Blue Jays starter Trey Yesavage.
Roberts has elected to bench centerfielder Andy Pages in favor of Alex Call, who will play in left field during Game 5. Kiké Hernandez, who had been playing left field for LA, will shift to center. Catcher Will Smith, meanwhile, is set to move up in the order and bat second, while Mookie Betts hits third. Smith had been in the clean up spot for the Dodgers and Betts was hitting second.
"Getting Alex in at the bottom - the at-bat quality, the potential to get on base for Shohei at the top," Roberts said before Game 5. "As far as Mookie and Will, I felt that created the best chance to win today. In the postseason, you have to get more reactive than the regular season at some point."
WORLD SERIES PREDICTIONS: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays Game 5 picks and odds
