In a desperate attempt to turn the tides in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo made significant changes to his lineup ahead of Game 3 against the Philadelphia Phillies. With the Diamondbacks trailing 2-0 in the best-of-seven series and only managing to score three runs in the first two games, Lovullo knew he needed to make bold moves to keep their World Series hopes alive.
One of the biggest changes made by Lovullo was moving catcher Gabby Moreno up to the third spot in the batting order. This decision comes as a surprise, considering Moreno has never held this position in the lineup throughout the season. Lovullo’s gamble on the young catcher demonstrates his willingness to take risks in a do-or-die situation.
Another significant change in the batting order is outfielder Tommy Pham dropping down to the fifth spot. Pham, who primarily occupied the third position during the regular season, has struggled in the NLCS, going 0-for-8 and dealing with a toe injury. Despite his struggles, Lovullo expressed confidence in Pham’s ability to step up when needed. Pham’s willingness to adapt to his new role further highlights his dedication to the team’s success.
Infielder Emmanuel Rivera also received a surprising opportunity, with Lovullo giving him a start at third base for the first time in the postseason. This decision resulted in Evan Longoria serving as the designated hitter, and outfielder Alek Thomas warming the bench. Lovullo’s decision to shake up the defensive alignment suggests he’s trying to find a winning combination against the left-handed pitching of the Phillies’ Ranger Suarez.
Throughout these changes, Lovullo emphasized the importance of a unified team that understands the situation. He highlighted that hurt feelings should take a backseat to the team’s ultimate goal. The manager’s words indicate his expectation for the players to put the team’s interests first and give their best effort to mount a comeback in Game 3.
Torey Lovullo’s lineup changes ahead of Game 3 of the NLCS represent a major strategic shift for the Arizona Diamondbacks. By moving Gabby Moreno up in the batting order, dropping Tommy Pham down, and giving Emmanuel Rivera a start at third base, Lovullo is demonstrating his commitment to altering the course of the series. It remains to be seen whether these changes will have the desired impact and pave the way for a Diamondbacks comeback, but one thing is certain: Lovullo is not afraid to take risks when his team’s World Series dreams are on the line.
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