Dave Roberts Trending After making Questionable Lineup Decisions Prior To Game Five

Dave Roberts is putting himself in a position to be ridiculed with his decisions prior to Game Five.

In the win-or-go-home game, Roberts’ Dodgers were expected to start Julio Urias against Logan Webb and the Giants. But just hours before first pitch, it was announced that the Dodgers were going to start the game with reliever Corey Knebel – setting up a true “bullpen game”.

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Not only that, but Roberts also decided to start Matt Beaty over postseason legend, Justin Turner.

Fans immediately shared their thoughts on the interesting moves being made by Dave Roberts.

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Dave Roberts filling out the starting lineup pic.twitter.com/jKyGgsMmT3

— Joe Seppi (@_JoeSeppi) October 14, 2021

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Dave Roberts sitting in his office deciding to use an opener in Game 5 pic.twitter.com/6IHiHla3mE

— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) October 14, 2021

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First and last time I'll praise the Dodgers this year: it's a gutsy as hell move by Dave Roberts and the FO.

If you start Urías and he loses, no one blames you for turning to the 20-3 guy.

If you start an opener and it backfires, every headline of every paper destroys you

— McCovey Chronicles (@McCoveyChron) October 14, 2021

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Gabe Kapler, seen here giving zero f***s about Dave Roberts and his mind games. pic.twitter.com/r5Z7hRr9Gq

— Butch Husky (@ButchHusky) October 14, 2021

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This is either a genius 1000% IQ play from Dave Roberts or a complete overthinking and a horrible decision. We will find out later

— • (@bellingersworId) October 14, 2021

Julio Urias has had experience coming out of the bullpen in the postseason in the past. But with everything coming down to one game, he seemed like the best option to go until he can’t anymore.

However, starting Knebel gives Roberts some in-game flexibility, and makes it harder for Gabe Kapler and the Giants to game plan for one pitcher.

All in all, these moves made by Dave Roberts signify the new-age thinking going on in baseball. And I’ll be fascinated to see if it works tonight or not.

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