Roberts Signals Potential Dodgers Lineup Adjustments for Chris Sale Matchup

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is considering roster changes for Game 3 of their NLDS against Atlanta, with the team preparing to face Cy Young winner Chris Sale. The Dodgers have struggled offensively through two games, scoring all seven runs via home runs while going hitless with runners in scoring position. Roberts mentioned potential additions like Enrique Hernandez and Miguel Rojas while contemplating moving Shohei Ohtani down in the batting order.

The Dodgers' offensive struggles have become the central concern heading into Game 3, with the team managing just seven runs across two games, all delivered via home runs. Notably absent from their performance has been situational hitting, exemplified by an 0-for-8 effort with runners in scoring position during Sunday's contest. Multiple lineup contributors have failed to record hits, raising questions about the team's ability to manufacture runs through conventional means.

Sale presents a formidable challenge based on recent history, having shut out the Dodgers completely in late August with dominant pitching. The matchup dynamics favor the veteran left-hander, though Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman hold marginal statistical advantages in their head-to-head histories. Roberts' consideration of lineup modifications reflects an attempt to identify personnel better suited to breaking through against elite pitching when home runs alone may prove insufficient.