The Los Angeles Dodgers have nothing to play for in playoff seeding on Friday, September 25th, but the game against the San Francisco Giants will serve as their final tune-up.
Dodgers Lineup
1. Shohei Ohtani, DH
2. Mookie Betts, SS
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Will Smith, C
5. Kyle Tucker, RF
6. Teoscar Hernandez, LF
7. Max Muncy, 3B
8. Andy Pages, CF
9. Kike Hernandez, 2B
Shohei Ohtani lines up in his third game since coming off the injured list, his second in the leadoff spot.
With the Dodgers facing a righty in Yunior Marte and looking really good over his last two games, it makes sense for Ohtani to leadoff again.
Additionally, Freddie Freeman is looking to build on his 2-for-4 night on Thursday. Mookie Betts has been getting it done against lefties and righties, so his matchup isn’t really that important.
Kike Hernandez is the standout name who will be playing after multiple games without action.
As a part-time utility player, Hernandez has few opportunities, and with the playoffs approaching, the Dodgers are looking for chances for him.
Even against a righty, manager Dave Roberts gave Hernandez a chance.
Look for Dalton Rushing to get some pinch-hit opportunities later in the game.
Who is pitching for the Dodgers?
Tarik Skubal takes the mound after a rough start against the Giants a week ago at home. He pitched five innings, allowing eight hits and two walks, and four runs, two of which came on a home run.
Skubal will be tasked with taking the ball in marquee playoff games, and a good start against the Giants could help ease concerns about his stuff.
The southpaw only had three strikeouts last time out against a weak Giants lineup, and now he faces that same lineup with pressure to put on a good performance.
Tyler Glasnow had his best performance of the night on Thursday before the postseason, and Skubal gets the chance to do the same.
