Dodgers News: Dodgers Game 5 Starting Lineup Causes Confusion
Prior to the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts surprised many people on his starting lineup for Game 5 of the NLCS. Roberts always has an explanation for his madness since entering the 2016 postseason. How will this effect the Dodgers in the end?
Dodgers Starting Lineup
Enrique Hernandez – 2B
Justin Turner – 3B
Corey Seager – SS
Carlos Ruiz -C
Howie Kendrick – LF
Adrian Gonzalez – 1B
Yasiel Puig – RF
Joc Pederson -CF
Kenta Maeda -RHP
NLCS Tied 2-2: Dodgers Are Still In Good Position Against CubsDave Roberts talks Kenta Maeda and tonight's starting lineup ahead of #Dodgers Game 5 vs. the #Cubs. pic.twitter.com/YRiK1mWX7v
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) October 20, 2016
In a pre-game press conference, Roberts talked about his decision on picking the players that he thought deserved a spot in the lineup.
- On Howie Kendrick, “No, there was no text messages. I know Howie feels comfortable in left,” said Roberts.
- On Enrique Hernandez, “Kike with his athleticism, he feels comfortable in second and I like him there,” said Roberts.
- On Ruiz, Kendrick, and González in the 4-5-6 spots, “Those three guys that I have right there, I feel really good to drive in a run.”
The reason why Hernandez is in the starting lineup is because of his numbers against Jon Lester. Kiké is 3-for-12 with one home run, one triple, and three RBIs. After the bad throw on Wednesday in Game 4, people gave up on Hernandez. He is 0-for-5 and walked twice in the NLCS and was 0-for-1 against Lester in Game 1.
Also Carlos Ruiz is batting in the cleanup spot for Los Angeles, which may come to a surprise to many. Ruiz’s numbers against lefties are .271/.407/.386 in the 2016 season. The combo of Kenta Maeda and Carlos Ruiz has only been seen three times within the season.
Adrián González is moved back and batting sixth in the lineup for Game 5. González has not batted in the sixth spot since June 16, 2012.
Yasiel Puig gets the start in right field and is batting seventh.
Los Angeles is feeling depressed and the lineup change did not help their problems.
Twitter Reactions on Dodgers starting lineup
People seem to be taking the lineup well today
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) October 20, 2016
Kenta Maeda and Carlos Ruiz are the @Dodgers' starting battery in #NLCS Game 5, the 3rd time that's happened all year. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 20, 2016
Dodgers catchers to bat cleanup in postseason:
Roy Campanella (9x)
Russ Martin (4x, 2008 NLCS)
Carlos Ruiz https://t.co/cH4fUou2PI— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) October 20, 2016
Things are a bit different for Game 5: https://t.co/lQGaJoME3B
— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) October 20, 2016