The Los Angeles Dodgers lineup featured a different look for Thursday’s series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals as Trea Turner and Mookie Betts switched spots in the order.
Turner, who had been batting leadoff since joining the Dodgers, hit third, which allowed Betts to return to the top of the lineup for the first time in over a month.
“I just wanted to change it up a little bit and give the lineup a different look,” manager Dave Roberts said during his pregame media session.
“I think they’re both interchangeable. I think Mookie sees more pitches, they both have the same ability to get on base. I just wanted to change it up a little bit and see how it looks.”
Roberts felt the change was necessary given the Dodgers’ recent inability to sustain any sort of consistency on offense. “I think with where we’re at and how we’ve performed, giving a different look, but again it’s the collective offensive unit that needs to get better,” Roberts said.
“Whether I flip two guys, up and down the lineup we’ve got to continue to take good at-bats and put some runs on the board.”
Betts in particular has been up and down since returning from a second stint on the injured list for right hip inflammation caused by a bone spur. In his first game back in the leadoff spot, he collected one hit, one walk and score a run in four plate appearances.
As for Turner, he went 2-for-4 and drove in the Dodgers’ lone run.
Roberts: Dodgers’ offense ‘needs to get better’
After Max Muncy voiced his frustrations following the Dodgers’ 5-4 loss to the Cardinals on Wednesday, Roberts echoed similar sentiments about the offense needing to improve. “It needs to get better,” Roberts began.
“For me, it’s always good to hear players holding each other and themselves accountable. It’s a very talented offensive group, but that doesn’t win ballgames.
“For Max to voice that, the sentiment is shared by other guys in the clubhouse on the position player side. I’m with them. We all know it needs to get better. It’s good to hear, but again, his teammates feel the same exact way.”
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