Dave Roberts explained the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup changes on October 15, 2026.
Roberts moved Shohei Ohtani to sixth, Will Smith to seventh and Kyle Tucker to cleanup, saying the changes were intended to improve the lineup's balance. He explained that separating left- and hitters would make the lineup harder to navigate, while noting that Tucker has been agnostic to left- versus pitchers throughout his career and currently.
Roberts stated that Smith was moved down to give him a different look and let the game come to him after encouraging swings in the previous game. He added that Ohtani was determined despite not meeting his own expectations, and said Ohtani stayed late after the previous night's game to work on his swing with Los Angeles Dodgers teammates and discuss how to beat the opponent. Roberts also praised Mookie Betts' at-bats, saying Betts has been seeing many pitches, reaching base and advancing runners; he called Betts' play high-level baseball and next-level shortstop.
Roberts said the Dodgers need to be aggressive to match the opponent's intensity rather than nibble or let their guard down. He explained that hitters must work through longer at-bats against relievers instead of ending them after one or two pitches, and said clutch performance requires accepting the possibility of failure, embracing big moments and blocking out external noise.
Roberts described Blake as much quieter and more withdrawn after his disappointing Division Series start, while expecting greater intensity from Blake in his next opportunity. He also joked that showing players video of his own stolen base would make them lose focus because some might not even know he played.
Roberts said the Dodgers still have to win four games but should focus on managing a win in the current game, providing the team's immediate outlook.