mookie betts

Mookie Betts Shakes Up Dodgers Lineup in Pivotal World Series Game 5

When the Los Angeles Dodgers take the field for World Series Game 5, all eyes will be on Mookie Betts — not just for his legendary bat, but because of a surprising shift in the lineup that signals a new strategy for a team fighting to stay alive in the championship series. After a sluggish start at the plate, manager Dave Roberts has made a bold decision: moving Mookie Betts down to the third spot in the batting order for the first time in over four years, while benching rookie Andy Pages in favor of veteran Alex Call.

This isn’t just a tweak — it’s a full-scale recalibration of the Dodgers’ offense as they face a must-win scenario against the Toronto Blue Jays (or a yet-to-be-confirmed opponent, per official reports). For Canadian fans following the World Series closely, this lineup change could define the outcome of the entire series and reshape the narrative around one of baseball’s most dynamic players.

Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for the Dodgers’ championship hopes — and for Mookie Betts’ legacy.

The Big Move: Why Mookie Betts Is Batting Third Now

In a move that stunned analysts and fans alike, the Dodgers bumped Will Smith up to No. 2 in the order and shifted Mookie Betts to third, according to the official lineup released by MLB.com ahead of Game 5. This marks the first time since 2021 that Betts has started a game in the No. 3 spot — a position typically reserved for a team’s most consistent power hitter and run producer.

But here’s the twist: Betts hasn’t been producing like a No. 3 hitter so far in the World Series. Through the first four games, he’s struggled at the plate, going just 2-for-15 with no extra-base hits and a .133 batting average. That kind of slump would rattle any player — especially one carrying the weight of a $365 million contract and the expectations of a city.

So why move him down?

According to Dave Roberts, the decision wasn’t about punishment — it was about optimizing the lineup’s flow.

“We’re trying to create more opportunities for Mookie to drive in runs,” Roberts told reporters. “With Will [Smith] getting on base and Kiké [Hernández] setting the table, we want Mookie in a position where he can capitalize. It’s not about where he hits — it’s about when.”

Roberts’ logic is sound: Smith has been one of the Dodgers’ most consistent hitters this postseason, with a .294 average and a .400 on-base percentage. Moving him up creates a 1-2-3 punch of Kiké Hernández (leadoff), Will Smith (No. 2), and Mookie Betts (No. 3) — a trio that combines speed, plate discipline, and power.

And let’s be real: Betts may be slumping, but he’s still Mookie Betts — a three-time World Series champion, MVP, and eight-time All-Star. Even in a funk, he’s one swing away from changing the game.

Recent Updates: What’s New in Game 5

The Dodgers’ lineup changes for Game 5 are more than just a batting order shuffle — they reflect a broader strategy to re-energize a stagnant offense and shore up the outfield defense.

Here’s the official breakdown from MLB.com and USA Today:

• Alex Call gets the start in left field, replacing Andy Pages, who is benched after a rough World Series performance (1-for-12, .083 avg).
• Kiké Hernández moves from left field to center field, where he’s played 100+ games in his career.
• Will Smith moves up to No. 2 in the order — a spot previously occupied by Betts.
• Mookie Betts drops to No. 3 — his first time there since 2021.
• Freddie Freeman remains in the cleanup spot (No. 4), where he’s been a steady force despite dealing with a lingering ankle injury.

This marks the third start of the postseason for Alex Call, who was acquired from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline. In limited playing time, Call has been a revelation: 4-for-9 at the plate, with two walks and a hit-by-pitch, giving him a .500 on-base percentage.

“He’s earned this,” Roberts said of Call. “He’s got a great eye, he’s aggressive, and he’s not afraid of the moment.”

The decision to bench Andy Pages, the rookie sensation who burst onto the scene in the NLDS, is a tough one — but it’s a sign that the Dodgers are prioritizing experience and plate discipline over youth and power.

“It’s not about what Pages did wrong,” Roberts explained. “It’s about what Call brings right now. We need contact, we need walks, we need guys who can get on base.”

The Context: Why This Move Matters Beyond Game 5

To understand the significance of this lineup change, you have to look at Mookie Betts’ career arc and the Dodgers’ championship culture.

Mookie Betts: The Ultimate Team Player

Betts isn’t just a superstar — he’s a chameleon. Over his 11-year career, he’s played right field, center field, second base, and shortstop — all at an elite level. He’s won six Gold Gloves, six Silver Sluggers, and two World Series rings (2018 with Boston, 2020 with LA).

But what sets Betts apart is his selflessness. In 2023, he voluntarily moved to shortstop to fill a gap in the Dodgers’ infield — a position he hadn’t played regularly since high school. He did it not for personal glory, but because the team needed it.

Now, by accepting a lower spot in the order, Betts is doing it again — putting team success above personal stats.

“I’ve said it before: I’ll hit wherever they need me,” Betts told reporters. “If I’m hitting eighth, I’m hitting eighth. If I’m hitting third, I’m hitting third. It doesn’t matter. I just want to win.”

This mindset is exactly what Freddie Freeman was talking about in his pre-game advice to the Dodgers’ sluggers, as reported by Yahoo Sports.

“It’s not about your stats. It’s not about your legacy. It’s about the team,” Freeman said. “You have to trust your teammates, trust your preparation, and trust that the moment will come.”

For Betts, that moment could come in Game 5 — with the season on the line.

The Dodgers’ Dynasty Quest

The 2025 World Series isn’t just another championship — it’s a stepping stone toward dynasty status.

The Dodgers have won one World Series in the last 35 years (2020, during the pandemic-shortened season). But with a core of Betts, Freeman, Smith, and Shohei Ohtani (who joined in 2024), they’re aiming for multiple titles — a true dynasty.

As one analyst put it: “This isn’t just about winning — it’s about cementing a legacy.”

And for Betts, who turned 33 this season, this could be his last best chance to add a third ring — a feat that would solidify his Hall of Fame case and place him among the all-time greats.

Immediate Effects: How This Impacts the Game — and the Series

The lineup change isn’t just symbolic — it has real, tactical implications.

1. Better Plate Discipline

With Will Smith and Alex Call getting on base