"Those moves, Roberts hopes, will provide Ohtani with more RBI opportunities and more protection if the Toronto Blue Jays continue to pitch around him. "In the postseason, you've got to be a little more reactive than in the regular season," Roberts said. "When I netted out the value of what I feel gives us the best chance to win today, that was a decision I made.""
"And in that setting, Ohtani might be available out of the bullpen. He told the Japanese media after taking the loss in Tuesday's Game 4 that he wants to stay ready to help out of the bullpen in Games 6 or 7 if needed. Roberts said he has not spoken to Ohtani about that possibility, but he sounded open to it."
Dave Roberts moved Will Smith to the No. 2 spot, bumped Mookie Betts to third for the first time in four years, and replaced Andy Pages with Alex Call at the bottom of the order. The changes aim to give Shohei Ohtani more RBI opportunities and added protection if Toronto pitchers continue to pitch around him. Roberts said postseason managing requires being more reactive and that he chose the lineup he believed gave the best chance to win. With the series tied 2-2 and Game 5 at home, Ohtani could be used from the bullpen in Games 6 or 7. The Dodgers have slashed .220/.314/.369 since the wild-card round and are 6-for-29 with runners in scoring position.
Read at ESPN.com
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