The Los Angeles Dodgers remain winless in 2022 Spring Training and look to reverse their fortune in a matchup against the Cleveland Guardians at Camelback Ranch. L.A. enters the day 0-3-2 thus far in Cactus League play.
Gavin Lux is starting in left field and as he continues to work toward settling into a utility role and finding a rhythm at the plate. Lux has only played 134 innings in the outfield in his big league career as he transitions away from only manning the middle infield.
Lux will need to find more consistency to have success on the Dodgers roster, and his versatility, plus the addition of the designated hitter in the National League, could push AJ Pollock for playing time in left field.
Mookie Betts was originally expected to make his spring debut on Wednesday but is being held out due to a stomach illness. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes Betts to be in the lineup on Thursday.
Betts has not appeared in a game this spring, though has been participating in workouts on the backfields.
Clayton Kershaw makes his second start of Spring Training and looks to improve on his first outing.
Despite being a bit rusty against the Milwaukee Brewers, Kershaw retired four of the five batters he faced while throwing 21 pitches. Blake Treinen, Daniel Hudson, Justin Bruihl and Yency Almonte are expected to pitch following Kershaw’s outing.
The Dodgers lineup features Max Muncy, who makes his second start of the spring, Justin Turner, Will Smith, and Chris Taylor.
Also of note, Miguel Vargas starts at first base. Roberts has complimented his power and also said the 22-year-old could be make his MLB debut at some point during the 2022 season.
Chris Taylor was scratched from the original Dodgers lineup and replaced at DH by Jorbit Vivas.
The Guardians counter with Shane Bieber, who makes his first start since injuring his shoulder last season. Bieber was limited to 96.2 IP in 2021, but the 2020 Cy Young winner appears to be healthy and ready for the upcoming season.
Dodgers lineup
LF: Gavin Lux
2B: Max Muncy
3B: Justin Turner
C: Will Smith
RF: Jake Lamb
1B: Miguel Vargas
SS: Eddy Alvarez
CF: James Outman
DH: Jorbit Vivas
Guardians lineup
CF: Bradley Zimmer
1B: Owen Miller
LF: Franmil Reyes
DH: Bobby Bradley
C: Luke Maile
2B: Gabriel Arias
RF: Oscar Gonzales
3B: Ernie Clement
SS: Brayan Rocchio
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