James Outman Benched for Dodgers NLDS Game 3 in Arizona

The Dodgers announce changes to the lineup for NLDS Game 3 against the Diamondbacks.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts teased a lineup change on Tuesday night as the team arrived in Arizona. There were several candidates he and the front office were discussing while sorting out lineup ideas to face rookie right-hander Brandon Pfaadt.

It seems that LA rookie outfielder James Outman drew the short straw.

The Dodgers shuffle the lineup and start Enrique Hernandez over James Outman in center field

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 11, 2023

Beyond the Outman bench, DH J.D. Martinez moves up in the lineup and catcher Will Smith was dropped to 5th in the order.

The Dodgers are going with a new lineup for their win or go home Game 3 against RHP Brandon Pfaadt and the Diamondbacks:

Mookie Betts, 2B
Freddie Freeman, 1B
J.D. Martinez, DH
Max Muncy, 3B
Will Smith, C
Jason Heyward, RF
Kiké Hernández, CF
David Peralta, LF
Miguel Rojas, SS

— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) October 11, 2023

This isn't the first time Roberts has swapped out his centerfielder in a potential elimination game. Last October, the manager benched Cody Bellinger in favor of Trayce Thompson against the Padres.

Outman is not the only player struggling during this series so far but his have been perhaps the most public. The sure handed outfielder misplayed a scorching line drive in center on the first batted ball of the series and has seemed on the more timid side ever since. 

Notably, he made an exception play at the wall in center in Game 2. He's also 0-5 in the series with just 1 walk and 3 strikeouts.

The veteran Kiké Hernandez will open the game in center for LA but certainly all hands will be on deck in the elimination game.

The Arizona Diamondbacks hold a 2-0 lead over the Dodgers in the best-of-5 series