Edwin Rios joins Los Angeles Dodgers’ Game 3 lineup

Edwin Rios is in the Game 3 lineup for the Dodgers and will look to provide a spark.

The Los Angeles Dodgers need the stars to step up on offense in Game 3 of the NLCS against the Atlanta Braves. But manager Dave Roberts has decided to make a move to shake things up.

The change comes with Edwin Rios batting eighth and playing third base. Justin Turner slides to DH, Joc Pederson is in left field, and A.J. Pollock will start the game on the bench.

Edwin Rios gets an opportunity to shine

Rios has only appeared in one postseason game so far and went 0-3 with a walk. He batted .250 during the regular season and gets the nod over Pollock, who is 2-8 so far against the Braves.

The change comes with right-hander Kyle Wright on the mound for Atlanta. Rios adds another left-handed bat to the lineup as Dave Roberts searches for any help as he looks to avoid a 3-0 deficit in the series.

Having a DH in National League play changes the way Roberts is managing and reduces the number of pinch-hitters needed in a game. But Pollock still has a strong chance of appearing in the game at some point, especially if Rios can’t do anything against Wright.

Rios did post a .946 OPS during the regular season and launched eight home runs in only 76 at-bats. He joins the lineup after the offense staged a late rally to nearly win Game 2. The effort fell short, but it was a promising sign heading into Wednesday.

Ultimately, players like Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger are going to have to step up for the Dodgers to win. What they do will be in focus more than Rios’ at-bats.