Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Plans Lineup Changes After World Series Game 4 Loss

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts faced criticism for his bullpen decisions in the 6-2 Game 4 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, particularly for pulling starter Shohei Ohtani in the seventh inning and relying on struggling relievers who allowed inherited runners to score, which widened the Blue Jays' lead. Roberts is now considering significant lineup changes for the pivotal Game 5, as the Dodgers have struggled offensively with a team batting average of just .214 and key players like Mookie Betts, Andy Pages, Tommy Edman, and Kiké Hernández performing poorly. Betts has been especially ineffective, hitting just 5-for-34 since the NLCS began, while Pages has managed only a .080 average in the postseason. Roberts is weighing whether to replace Pages with Alex Call or Miguel Rojas to provide more offensive production, especially given the urgency of Game 5, where winners historically have a strong chance to clinch the championship. The Dodgers, who excelled offensively during the regular season, have so far failed to find their rhythm in the World Series, prompting Roberts to rethink both his batting order and bullpen usage. These strategic adjustments underscore the high stakes as the series is now tied 2-2, with momentum shifting ahead of the critical upcoming game.