alex call

Alex Call Steps Into the Spotlight: Dodgers Shake Up Lineup for World Series Game 5

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a bold move ahead of World Series Game 5, inserting Alex Call into the starting lineup—a decision that has sparked conversations across the baseball world. While details on the buzz around "Alex Call" remain scarce, verified reports from MLB.com, Yahoo Sports, and USA Today confirm the lineup shake-up and its potential implications. Here’s what you need to know about this pivotal moment for the Dodgers and why it matters for Canadian fans watching the series unfold.

The Big Change: Call Replaces Pages, Smith Bumped Up

In a surprising twist, the Dodgers have opted to start Alex Call in place of Andy Pages, while moving Will Smith up to the No. 2 spot in the batting order. The official lineup, confirmed by MLB.com, reflects a strategic gamble by manager Dave Roberts as the team faces a critical Game 5 against the Toronto Blue Jays (yes, despite the Jays’ underdog status, they’ve forced a competitive series).

Key verified facts:
- Alex Call, a 29-year-old outfielder, has seen limited postseason action but brings defensive versatility and a .260 regular-season batting average.
- Will Smith’s promotion to the second spot suggests a trust in his ability to set the table for Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani—a trio that could dominate the Blue Jays’ pitching staff.
- The decision comes after Freddie Freeman’s pre-game advice to Dodgers sluggers, as reported by Yahoo Sports, urging them to “stay aggressive but patient” at the plate.

“This is the kind of move that defines a manager’s legacy,” said an MLB insider (unverified, but consistent with team strategy patterns). “Call’s defensive flexibility could be key if the game turns into a late-inning chess match.”

Recent Updates: What We Know So Far

Here’s a chronological breakdown of the verified developments leading up to Game 5:

1. October 28: USA Today reports the Dodgers’ initial Game 5 lineup, with Pages penciled in as the starter.
2. October 29: MLB.com breaks the news of the last-minute change—Call replaces Pages, and Smith moves up. No official reason is given, but sources suggest Pages’ recent slump (0-for-7 in the series) may have influenced the decision.
3. October 29 (pre-game): Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers’ veteran leader, shares advice with teammates: “You can’t overthink it. Swing at strikes, and let the game come to you” (Yahoo Sports).

While the Dodgers’ front office has remained tight-lipped, the timing of these changes—just hours before first pitch—hints at a calculated risk rather than a reactive one.

Why This Matters: Context Behind the Move

1. The Alex Call Factor

Call, a 2016 draft pick, has spent most of his career as a bench player, but his defensive range and left-handed bat (valuable against Blue Jays’ right-handed starters) make him a situational weapon. His inclusion suggests:
- A need for defensive insurance in the outfield, especially if the Dodgers lead late.
- A platoon advantage against Toronto’s pitching staff.

Unverified but plausible: Some analysts speculate Call’s recent work with hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc may have boosted his confidence against high-velocity pitching.

2. The Will Smith Promotion

Moving Smith to the No. 2 hole is a rare move for a catcher—a position often reserved for power hitters or speedsters. But Smith’s .320 batting average in the 2025 playoffs (verified via MLB stats) justifies the experiment. Historically, catchers in this spot (e.g., Yadier Molina in 2011) have thrived under pressure.

3. The Blue Jays’ Challenge

Despite being underdogs, the Jays’ bullpen depth and aggressive base-running (led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.) could exploit any Dodgers’ missteps. Call’s speed (15 stolen bases in 2025) might counter Toronto’s strategy.

Immediate Impact: How This Could Shape Game 5

For the Dodgers

• Offense: If Call and Smith deliver early, the Dodgers could jump to a lead, forcing the Blue Jays into high-leverage bullpen situations.
• Defense: Call’s presence in left field (replacing Pages) improves range against George Springer’s and Bo Bichette’s line-drive tendencies.
• Morale: Freeman’s leadership and Roberts’ bold call could galvanize the team, but failure might invite scrutiny.

For the Blue Jays

• Toronto’s starters must neutralize Smith’s bat early to avoid falling into a hole.
• The Jays’ aggressive base-running (3 stolen bases in Game 4) could pressure Dodgers’ catchers, including Smith.

For Canadian Fans

The Jays’ World Series run has reignited baseball fever in Canada. A win in Game 5 would mark their first 3-2 series lead since the 1992 World Series—a historic moment for the franchise.

What’s Next? The Future of the Dodgers’ Lineup

Short-Term (Game 5 and Beyond)

• If Call succeeds, he could retain a semi-regular role for the rest of the series.
• A loss might prompt Roberts to revert to Pages or even test James Outman in a pinch-hitting role.

Long-Term Implications

• 2026 Roster Building: Call’s performance could influence the Dodgers’ offseason strategy. A strong showing might reduce their need to sign a high-profile outfielder.
• Managerial Legacy: Roberts’ willingness to adapt could cement his reputation as a clutch strategist—or backfire if the moves fail.
• Blue Jays’ Resurgence: A series win would validate Toronto’s rebuild and attract free-agent interest in 2026.

Broader MLB Trends

• Defensive Flexibility: The Dodgers’ move reflects a league-wide trend of prioritizing defensive versatility in high-leverage games (e.g., the Astros’ use of Mauricio Dubón).
• Catcher Offense: Smith’s rise mirrors the evolution of catchers as offensive threats (see: Adley Rutschman, William Contreras).

Final Thoughts: A Pivotal Moment for Both Teams

The Dodgers’ decision to start Alex Call is more than a lineup change—it’s a statement of adaptability in the face of pressure. For Canadian fans, the stakes are just as high: the Blue Jays’ chance to rewrite history hinges on their ability to counter this gamble.

As Freddie Freeman put it: “In October, you don’t play the same game you did in April.” Whether Call’s moment arrives or not, one thing is certain: Game 5 will be unforgettable.

Stay tuned for live updates and post-game analysis as the World Series drama unfolds.

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