Dodgers Update Lineup With Interesting Change Ahead of NLDS Game 5 vs Padres

The Los Angeles Dodgers have slightly altered their lineup ahead of NLDS Game 5 against the San Diego Padres. Kiké Hernández, who was originally listed as batting eighth in the lineup, is now batting seventh. Here’s the updated lineup:

1. Shohei Ohtani, DH
2. Mookie Betts, RF
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Teoscar Hernández, LF
5. Max Muncy, 3B
6. Will Smith, C
7. Kiké Hernández, CF
8. Gavin Lux, 2B
9. Tommy Edman, SS

The change goes against what the Dodgers have done all series long, going left/right/left, etc. However, the Dodgers clearly value Hernández’s bat in the postseason, which is why he’s starting in center field in the first place.

Now, he’s getting an opportunity to potentially drive in runs in the seven-hole, which could be crucial for L.A. as they look to win Game 5 and advance to the NLCS for the first time since 2021.

First pitch for Friday night’s Game 5 is 5:08 p.m. PT/8:08 p.m. ET. Yoshinobu Yamamoto is taking the mound for Los Angeles against Yu Darvish for the Padres.

Photo Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

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