Dodgers NLDS: Dave Roberts Set to Change Up the Lineup for Game 3
With the Dodgers taking their first loss of the postseason and giving very little time to turn their series back, changes are needed to be made. With Tony Gonsolin set to start game three, the pitching rotation will also be worth monitoring but Dave Roberts has also given indication the starting lineup will also change.
Roberts spoke to the media and said Cody Bellinger will be benched putting Trayce Thompson at center field and bringing in Chris Taylor for the first time this series into left field.
“I just think that Trayce is a center fielder. He’s played more center field. I like him there, and I like C.T. in left field.”
Austin Barnes will also be making his first appearance starting at catcher and moving Will Smith to the DH.
Max Muncy is confirmed to be put at second base but it remains to be seen who will be benched. Roberts spoke of his confidence in bringing Taylor back into the starting lineup despite not seeing game action since September 30th due to a neck injury.
“I think physically he’s close to 100 percent, if not 100 percent, as far as how he feels.
He’s taken a ton of simulated at-bats. Is it game situations? No. I think for me it’s just betting on the experience and the person and the player. I expect him to go out there and play good defense and take good at-bats versus Snell, and we’ll see what happens for Game 4. I’m excited to get C.T. back in there.”
Roberts takes the risk of bringing in Taylor and Gonsolin after they have dealt with their injuries in a game that could decide the series. The level of importance reaches an all time high as the Dodgers look to bounce back from a disappointing game two performance.
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Let’s hope the changes work. This is where a manager shows his stuff on these decisions.sounds like he wants a righty lineup Vs Snell. My only concern is keeping Lux in there somehow if Muncy moves to second and probably Justin Turner at 3rd then Lux is out.
How about playing Vargas and giving him a shot? J. Turner doesn’t seem up to it lately.
No way in hell, JT is all time post season Dodger great. The kid is still unproven.
Roberts already choking. Need Bellinger even though he’s not hitting he save 2 runs game 2 Thompson not hitting and game 1 double was catchable so was the hr with gold glove outfielders like Cody and Taylor. Thompson should only play if these 2 are hurt.
Roberts will probably put Barnes in the cleanup spot today! (Rim shot!)
The Dodgers either show up and play better ball, or Winter will start early, and of all places, in San Diego.