Dodgers Lineup: Kershaw On The Bump vs Rockies

After two thrilling victories last night, one in the bottom of the ninth inning and one in the tenth inning, the Los Angeles Dodgers will return to the field for a 1:05 PM Pacific Time first pitch against the Colorado Rockies. On the mound will be ace Clayton Kershaw.

This will be Kershaw’s third appearance this spring, and he’s gone five total innings thus far in the campaign. It’s likely that he’ll throw three or four innings on the hill today, so be prepared to see quite a bit of the best pitcher in baseball before they actually remove him from the game.

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From the Los Angeles Dodgers’ official Twitter account:

Today's Dodger lineup:
Pederson CF
Utley 2B
Ethier LF
Van Slyke RF
Hernandez SS
Ellis C
Bellinger 1B
Culberson 3B
Kershaw P

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 13, 2016

That’s your lineup for this afternoon. Leading off and playing center will be Joc Pederson. He’s 4-for-15 (.267) this spring with seven strikeouts and two walks. He also has a solo home run on his resume thus far, as well as three runs scored. He’s had both good and bad plate appearances.

Chase Utley will be playing second base and will be batting second. The veteran is 5-for-15 (.333) so far, and that includes a triple from last night’s game. He also has a stolen base and a walk, as well as one strikeout. Utley is going to be playing second and third quite a bit this season as a utility guy.

In the three hole will be veteran outfielder Andre Ethier. He’ll also be in left field. Ethier is 6-for-14 (.429) at the dish this spring, and he has two runs batted in as well as two walks. He’s delivered plenty of quality at-bats at the plate already, and this is definitely a good spring for him so far.

In the cleanup spot and playing right field will be Scott Van Slyke. The power-hitting outfielder is 8-for-19 (.421) with two home runs, four runs batted in, four walks, a stolen base, and a triple. He’s been a downright monster at the plate when called upon, and he might get quite a bit of time this season.

Kike Hernandez will be batting fifth and playing shortstop. The versatile Hernandez is only 2-for-17 (.118) at the plate so far this spring, but both hits have gone for extra bases as he has a double and a triple on his ledger. Hernandez will be a do-it-all type of player for the team going forward.

Catching Kershaw will be A.J. Ellis, and he will be batting sixth. The veteran catcher is 5-for-16 (.313) with two doubles and three runs batted in. He’s been able to hit the ball pretty well when he’s made contact. He’ll begin the season as the backup catcher behind Yasmani Grandal.

Youngster Cody Bellinger will be batting seventh and playing first base this afternoon. His sweet swing has seen him go 6-for-14 (.429) this spring at the plate while scoring four runs and walking three times. His defense at first base has been great, and you can see his athleticism at that spot.

Future Hall of Famer Charlie Culberson will be batting eighth and manning the hot corner. Culberson is 7-for-18 (.389) with eight runs batted in this spring. He also has three runs scored, a double, a triple, a home run, and a walk. He’s been a house of fire when out there, and he’s fun as heck.

Batting ninth and on the hill will be Clayton Kershaw, as mentioned before. Kershaw’s thrown five innings so far, and he’s given up six hits and two walks, as well as one earned run. However, he has fanned seven batters. In other words, Kershaw! He’ll be fine no matter what.

No word yet on what other pitchers have been scheduled for today, but that is the lineup that is out there for now and it’s almost time for Dodgers baseball!