The Los Angeles Dodgers announced their lineup for Friday’s game against the San Diego Padres, and it could mirror their Opening Day plans.
Opening Day starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto is making his first appearance since returning to the Dodgers’ camp following the WBC, and the other nine players rounding up the lineup are regulars on LA’s lineup card.
Designated hitter Shohei Ohtani will bat first, followed by a new arrival in outfielder Kyle Tucker. shortstop Mookie Betts will bat in the No. 3 spot manager Dave Roberts said he would fill in the regular season, and first baseman Freddie Freeman will hit cleanup.
Three All-Stars follow him, with catcher Will Smith, outfielder Teoscar Hernandez and third baseman Max Muncy will fill the middle of the order, followed by center fielder Andy Pages in the No. 8 spot, and World Series hero Miguel Rojas will round out the lineup.
The Dodgers have fielded increasingly competitive lineups as spring training has progressed as they have routinely been thinning out the players on their roster. With Opening Day less than a week away, the Dodgers are likely looking to get everyone ready to come out of the gate firing.
How Many Spring Training Games do the Dodgers Have Left?
The Dodgers only have a few games remaining before the beginning of the season, but will look to make the most of their time before the regular season starts.
They play the Padres on Friday at 6:05 p.m. PT, and will play the Athletics on Saturday at 11:05 a.m. PT. They will also play their Spring Breakout game, an annual event which showcases prospects from every MLB organization, against the Chicago White Sox at 2:30 p.m. that day.
After Saturday, the Dodgers will return to LA to play a three-game exhibition series against the Los Angeles Angels. The first game of the series will be at Angel Stadium, and the final two will take place at Dodger Stadium.
LA’s Opening Day comes Thursday at 5:30 p.m. PT against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but they will hold off on doing the ring ceremony for their 2025 World Series championship until the day after.
How excited are you for the beginning of the 2026 regular season?
