Dodgers Lineup: Lee Starts, Utley Takes 3B And More

The Dodgers look to continue their impressive spring today, against the San Francisco Giants.

Let’s take a look at the lineup they’ll send out against that hated team from the north.

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This, via the Dodgers’ Twitter account.

Today’s Dodger lineup vs. SF:
Crawford LF
Pederson CF
Puig RF
Utley 3B
Van Slyke DH
Ellis C
Hernandez SS
Johnson 2B
Bellinger 1B
(Lee P)

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 6, 2016

Carl Crawford will lead off and play left field this afternoon. Crawford is one for three so far, legging out that infield single. He’s fighting something of an uphill battle on the depth chart, so it’s good to see he’s doing whatever he can to be successful.

Joc Pederson starts in center and will bat second today. He’s also gone one for three this spring. The more at-bats he gets to work on that new swing, the better.

Yasiel Puig (who’s also one for three) takes right field. He and Joc sit atop the depth chart at their respective positions, so the more time they play together to work on chemistry in the field, the better.

Chase Utley, who will reportedly avoid suspension for that infamous slide, gets the nod at third today, batting cleanup. Utley needs his reps there, seeing as it isn’t his natural position.

Scott Van Slyke will bat fifth in the DH spot. Not sure if you’ve noticed the trend, but there are quite a few players vying for at-bats on this roster, so thank God for the DH.

A.J. Ellis will be catching today, batting sixth. He’s still looking for his first hit of the spring.

Kike Hernandez will handle shortstop duties today and bat seventh. Not much to note here, other than his innings being managed because the Dodgers are concerned he might push himself too hard, risking injury. That’s a nice problem to have with any player.

Micah Johnson starts at second today. He’s gone one for five and will need to get on base a little more as he tries to earn innings at what became a deep position after Kendrick’s signing.

Cody Bellinger will start at first base today and bat ninth. Adrian Gonzalez will get the day off, having started yesterday.

Finally, Zach Lee will start against the Giants, which makes for a potentially interesting storyline not just today, but moving forward. Here’s hoping he can get some positive momentum to build on.