### Dodgers' Lineup Shake-Up: A Desperate Move Amid World Series Struggles The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing a critical moment in the 2025 World Series, having lost Game 5 to the Toronto Blue Jays and now standing on the brink of elimination. In response to their offensive struggles, manager Dave Roberts has made significant changes to the batting lineup, notably moving star player Mookie Betts down in the order for the first time in four years. Betts has been underperforming, with a batting average of just .158 in the series, prompting the Dodgers to seek a spark in their lineup as they prepare for Game 6 in Toronto [https://www.caledonianrecord.com/sports/world/facing-elimination-slumping-dodgers-shake-up-lineup-again-before-pivotal-game-6-in-toronto/article_d8c6fd11-5cf7-52f4-9367-03268af35d57.html]. ### Lineup Changes and Their Implications 1. **Mookie Betts' Position Change**: - Mookie Betts has been moved from the second spot to the cleanup position in the batting order. This is a significant shift, as it marks the first time since 2021 that he is not in one of the top two spots [https://www.si.com/mlb/dodgers/onsi/news/dodgers-make-several-lineup-changes-for-game-6-of-world-series]. 2. **Other Lineup Adjustments**: - Will Smith has been elevated to the second spot, while Freddie Freeman has dropped to fourth. Alex Call replaces the benched Andy Pages, who has struggled throughout the postseason [https://www.apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-lineup-betts-pages-0dc583c01d0d34f2c42d8580348053a0]. 3. **Performance Context**: - The Dodgers have batted only .214 in the series, with a total of 34 hits compared to the Blue Jays' 44. Their reliance on home runs has not been enough to secure victories, as evidenced by their recent 6-1 loss in Game 5 [https://www.newstribune.com/news/2025/oct/30/dodgers-shuffle-their-slumping-lineup-for-game-5-doesnt-work-in-jays-6-1-win]. ### Supporting Evidence of Struggles - **Mookie Betts' Performance**: Betts is currently 3 for 23 in the World Series, with no RBIs or extra-base hits, highlighting his struggles at the plate [https://www.caledonianrecord.com/sports/world/facing-elimination-slumping-dodgers-shake-up-lineup-again-before-pivotal-game-6-in-toronto/article_d8c6fd11-5cf7-52f4-9367-03268af35d57.html]. - **Team Statistics**: The Dodgers have struck out 15 times in Game 5 alone, with every member of the reconfigured lineup contributing to this dismal performance [https://www.newstribune.com/news/2025/oct/30/dodgers-shuffle-their-slumping-lineup-for-game-5-doesnt-work-in-jays-6-1-win]. - **Andy Pages' Bench**: Pages has been particularly ineffective, going 1 for 15 in the World Series and 4 for 50 in the postseason, which led to his benching [https://www.apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-lineup-betts-pages-0dc583c01d0d34f2c42d8580348053a0]. ### Conclusion: A Critical Moment for the Dodgers In summary, the Los Angeles Dodgers are at a pivotal juncture in the World Series, necessitating drastic changes to their lineup in hopes of reversing their fortunes. The decision to move Mookie Betts down in the batting order and bench Andy Pages reflects the urgency of their situation. As they prepare for Game 6, the effectiveness of these changes will be crucial in determining whether they can stave off elimination and keep their championship hopes alive. 1. **Lineup Changes**: Betts moved down, Smith up, Pages benched. 2. **Performance Issues**: Team batting average and strikeouts highlight struggles. 3. **Future Implications**: Success in Game 6 is critical for the Dodgers' postseason aspirations [https://www.si.com/mlb/dodgers/onsi/news/dodgers-make-several-lineup-changes-for-game-6-of-world-series].