Dodgers make lineup changes for Game 5 of World Series vs. Blue Jays - ESPN

LOS ANGELES — With his offense struggling through the first four games of this World Series — not to mention the better part of these entire playoffs — Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made relatively drastic changes to his lineup ahead of Wednesday's Game 5.

Will Smith moved into the No. 2 spot, prompting Mookie Betts to hit third for the first time in four years, and Alex Call replaced the struggling Andy Pages at the bottom of the batting order. Those moves, Roberts hopes, will provide Ohtani with more RBI opportunities and more protection if the Toronto Blue Jays continue to pitch around him.

«In the postseason, you've got to be a little more reactive than in the regular season,» Roberts said. «When I netted out the value of what I feel gives us the best chance to win today, that was a decision I made.»

Roberts made the lineup changes ahead of a critical swing game at home, with the series tied 2-2. The Dodgers will have to win at least one game in Toronto to repeat as champions. And in that setting, Ohtani might be available out of the bullpen.

He told the Japanese media after taking the loss in Tuesday's Game 4 that he wants to stay ready to help out of the bullpen in Games 6 or 7 if needed. Roberts said he has not spoken to Ohtani about that possibility, but he sounded open to it.

«If he can go, if it makes sense, certainly, he would be an option,» Roberts said.

More pressing now, though, is how Ohtani can help spark a sluggish lineup. The Dodgers are slashing just .220/.314/.369 since the wild-card round, during which they've averaged 3.8 runs per game after averaging 5.1 runs during the regular season. With runners in scoring position, they're just 6-for-29.

Blue Jays starter Trey Yesavage, who features