Why Dodgers are starting Miguel Rojas in pivotal World Series Game 6

The Los Angeles Dodgers have their backs against the wall.

Because of that, manager Dave Roberts is trying one new thing in the batting lineup for Game 6 of the World Series on Friday night against the Toronto Blue Jays.

For the first time since Game 2 of the NLDS, Miguel Rojas is starting. 

He slots into the lineup as the second baseman. That pushes Tommy Edman out into centerfield.

Alex Call, who started Game 5, and Andy Pages, who had started the first four games, both will be on the bench.

MORE: The splitter will decide Game 6 of the World Series

Why is Miguel Rojas starting?

Miguel Rojas is starting as one final roll of the dice by manager Dave Roberts.

Rojas is 36 years old but can play all over the diamond, and that allows him to slot comfortable in at second on Friday, pushing the also versatile Edman out into the outfield.

The Dodgers didn't get enough production from Pages or Call so far this series, so with their season on the brink, they took one different shot at getting the bats going.

During the regular season, Rojas hit .262 with a .715 OPS. Last season, he had been at .283 with a .748 OPS, two of his best hitting seasons in MLB.

Rojas had 290 at bats this season and hit 18 doubles with seven home runs, pretty strong rates for a utility infielder.

The Dodgers are hoping for smooth fielding and a bat to run into one at some point. Rojas could be the spark they've needed.

More World Series news:

• Why Louis Varland did an intentional balk late in Game 4
• Fans can't help but notice Blake Snell's eyes
• Magic Johnson gives some really obvious World Series advice
• The reason Davis Schneider grew a mustache for the Blue Jays
• Ernie Clement extends his improbable hit streak
• The Blue Jays have left themselves one major task