Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts named potential players who could get a spot in the starting lineup for NLDS Game 3.
The Dodgers’ offense hasn’t been its best through the first two games of the series, relying exclusively on homers to score all seven of their runs so far. A change of personnel could help the Dodgers string together some hits and bring some more runs across.
Ahead of Tuesday’s matchup, Roberts named three players who could insert themselves into the lineup for NLDS Game 3.
“You’ve got Kiké [Hernandez], you’ve got [Miguel Rojas], you’ve got Muncy,” Roberts said.
Hernandez provides plenty of positional versatility for the Dodgers, and could stand in at a number of positions if the Dodgers want to approach their matchup against the left-handed Chris Sale with a lineup full of right-handed batters.
The fan favorite’s most likely role if he were to start Game 3 would be as the third baseman, keeping left-handed third baseman Max Muncy out of the lineup for a second consecutive game despite hitting homers in each of the first two games of the series, but he could also play either of the corner outfield spots if needed.
Rojas would stand in at second base for Tommy Edman in the most likely case, as Roberts isn’t quite ready to move Edman into center to replace Andy Pages despite his rough postseason record.
Who Won’t Start for the Dodgers on Tuesday?
In addition to those three players, Roberts revealed Josue De Paula won’t have a starting spot against Sale.
“Josue De Paula I don’t see being an option,” Roberts said.
As a left-handed batter, De Paula’s omission from the lineup makes plenty of sense, and he will be available off of the bench for the remainder of the game.
Other than De Paula, Hyeseong Kim and Hunter Feduccia almost certainly won’t start, but the rest of the lineup could change as the Dodgers look to find a spark in their offense. With the series tied at one game apiece, the Dodgers need to claim victory in one of their two games in Atlanta to ensure they return home for a game if necessary.
Game 3 could swing momentum in the Dodgers’ direction, and they’ll do anything to take the lead in the NLDS. Tuesday’s game begins at 3:00 p.m. PT.
