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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 Cubs

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.

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