Dodgers Dave Roberts Adjust Lineup for Game 5 of the 2019 NLDS vs. the Nationals

With NLDS Game 5 just a few hours away, the Dodgers are faced with a tall task to take down Stephen Strasburg and the Washington Nationals in a winner take all elimination game.

Strasburg dominated the Dodgers in Game 2 and now we see the Dodgers have made adjustments for take two against the Nats ace.

Current:

Pederson RF
Muncy 2B
Turner 3B
Bellinger CF
Beaty 1B
Seager SS
Hernandez LF
Smith C
Buehler P

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) October 9, 2019

Compared to Game 2.

Tonight’s Gm. 2 Dodger lineup vs. Nationals:
Pederson RF
Turner 3B
Pollock LF
Bellinger CF
Muncy 1B
Smith C
Seager SS
Lux 2B
Kershaw P#NLDS | #LABleedsBlue pic.twitter.com/DNvjfU9XDA

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 4, 2019

The main adjustment here is that the struggling AJ Pollock sits for his second straight game. Moreover, rookie second baseman will be on the bench in the decisive game. Kiké Hernandez starts in left field and Matt Beaty will be at first base, at least at the outset of the game. Max Muncy slides over to 2B where he was worth 5 defensive runs saved in 520.1 innings this season.

Before the game, manager Dave Roberts addressed the media on the lineup changes.

Watch LIVE as Dave Roberts addresses the media prior to game 5. #NLDS https://t.co/bx9Dd6Xn0Q

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 9, 2019

“Having Beaty in there. I love his at-bat quality. Obviously be tested with the changeup. Have Freeser off the bench when Doolittle or Corbin comes in the game.

We have Kiké in there against the right hander that’s more curveball fastball — some change in there. Love Kiké’s defense where Walker’s more fly ball than ground ball.”

First pitch is at 5:37pm PDT at Dodger Stadium.