The Los Angeles Dodgers released their lineup for the first of four games at home against the San Diego Padres.
The Dodgers went 7-2 over their nine-game road trip, expanding their lead atop the NL West to 12 games in the process. Shortstop Mookie Betts sat out for the final game of the road trip on Wednesday after the Dodgers scratched him, but he has returned to the lineup for Thursday’s series opener.
Who is Pitching for the Dodgers?
Roki Sasaki will kick off the series on the mound, and has a chance to redeem himself after a rough outing against the padres during his last start. Sasaki threw four innings last time he faced the Padres, allowing three runs and issuing five walks on his way to an early exit.
This year, assay has a 4.88 ERA through 14 starts, striking out 72 batters in as many innings.
Who is in the Dodgers’ Lineup?
Shohei Ohtani is leading off for the Dodgers as always, and center fielder Andy Pages and first baseman Freddie Freeman follow him in the order. Betts steps back into the lineup after being absent from Wednesday’s loss, and Max Muncy will bat fifth while manning third base.
Right fielder Kyle Tucker remains in the lineup and will bat sixth, followed by Teoscar Hernandez, who returns to left field after an off day. Dalton Rushing also returns to the lineup to play catcher and bat eighth, followed by second baseman Alex Freeland batting ninth.
Dodgers Lineup vs. Padres
1. Shohei Ohtani, DH
2. Andy Pages, CF
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Mookie Betts, SS
5. Max Muncy, 3B
6. Kyle Tucker, RF
7. Teoscar Hernández, LF
8. Dalton Rushing, C
9. Alex Freeland, 2B
P. Roki Sasaki, RHP
Who is Starting for the Padres?
Randy Vasquez is starting for the Padres, and the Dodgers will look to get to him once again. Vasquez last pitched against the Dodgers on June 27, and allowed seven runs—four earned—across 3.1 innings pitched while striking out just one batter.
On the year, Vasquez has a 4.44 ERA and 60 strikeouts through 81 innings pitched.
This game marks the first the Dodgers have played against the Padres at home this season, and they’ll hope to carry on their stellar record against the Friars this season.
