Dodgers make several lineup changes ahead of NLDS elimination game

Oct 11, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) reacts during game one of the NLDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Padres 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With their backs against the wall in Game 3 of the NLDS, the Los Angeles Dodgers are making moves.

The Dodgers are rolling with a new lineup for Wednesday’s elimination game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. They are moving catcher Will Smith down to the 5-hole and sliding designated hitter JD Martinez up to the 3-hole in Smith’s place. The Dodgers have also sent star rookie James Outman to the bench and placed Enrique “Kiké” Hernandez into the lineup as the No. 7 hitter and the starter in center field. Left fielder David Peralta is now down to the 8-spot as well (after batting seventh in the first two games).

Dodgers NLDS Game 3 lineup:

– J.D. moved from the 5th to the 3-hole.
– Kiké batting 7th and starting in CF.
– Outman to the bench. pic.twitter.com/l3iX7TbHZU

— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) October 11, 2023

After winning 100 games and the NL West division title during the regular season, the Dodgers now find themselves down 0-2 in the best-of-five series against the Diamondbacks. A loss on Wednesday would officially end their season in truly humiliating fashion.

Arizona will send rookie righty Brandon Pfaadt to the mound for Game 3, so it looks like the Dodgers are stacking veteran bats to face him. Hernandez, a fan favorite who just returned to the Dodgers in a July trade, is the one they will really be counting on with this lineup move. He got a number of clutch hits for the Dodgers during playoff runs past, and now the team will need even more of those just to keep their season alive.