Dodgers switch things up in lineup for Game 3

While speaking with the media yesterday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that Albert Pujols would be making his first postseason start with LA at first base tonight. The rest of the lineup would feature the same names we would be expecting.

We weren’t however expecting such a shakeup in the batting order.

Trea Turner slides up to second in the order, with Corey Seager sliding down a spot to third. It’s only the second time that Turner has hit second since joining LA, as he hit second in Cincinnati on September 19. Aside from that, he always hit either leadoff or third. Meanwhile, this will be the second time Seager has hit third this season. He hit third back on August 16.

Chris Taylor slides up to the No. 5 spot with AJ Pollock being behind him. Albert Pujols will hit seventh in the lineup, the lowest of his postseason career. Following Pujols will be Will Smith, who has got to be one of the best hitters in recent memory to hit eighth in a playoff game. This will be his fourth postseason game hitting eighth. The catcher hit in the eight hole in three games back in the 2019 NLDS.

Dodgers lineup

1. Mookie Betts, RF
2. Trea Turner, 2B
3. Corey Seager, SS
4. Justin Turner, 3B
5. Chris Taylor, CF
6. AJ Pollock, LF
7. Albert Pujols, 1B
8. Will Smith, C
9. Max Scherzer, P

Giants lineup

1. Tommy La Stella, 2B
2. Mike Yastrzemski, RF
3. Buster Posey, C
4. Brandon Crawford, SS
5. Kris Bryant, 1B
6. LaMonte Wade Jr, LF
7. Evan Longoria, 3B
8. Steven Duggar, CF
9. Alex Wood, P