The Los Angeles Dodgers have several regulars in their lineup as they head to Salt River Fields for a final Spring Training matchup with the Colorado Rockies. Included in that is Russell Martin, who is seeing his first game action since Feb. 26.
There was an initial expectation he’d make a speedy recovery from lower back soreness, but a projected return date was pushed back on multiple occasions. That was largely said to have been out of precaution as Martin dealt with lingering soreness.
He caught Walker Buehler in live batting practice on Saturday and followed that by logging at-bats in a Minor League game at Camelback Ranch. Martin is 2-for-8 with three RBI in his first three Cactus League games.
He’s behind the plate and batting seventh, while the Dodgers lineup again features A.J. Pollock slotted in the leadoff spot. Manager Dave Roberts has not fully committed to Pollock remaining there for the regular season, but suggested it would be likely. Though, after Roberts’ comments, Pollock was moved to batting fourth and fifth.
Julio Urias takes the mound in what essentially is another audition. The young left-hander has been impressive this spring, hoping to pitch his way into a larger role in the Dodgers starting rotation. That being said, Ross Stripling was identified as the first pitch in line if a member of the rotation suffers injury.
Sunday figures to present a good challenge for Urias as he’ll face a Rockies lineup that features the likes of Charlie Blackmon, Nolan Arenado, Daniel Murphy, Trevor Story and David Dahl.
The Rockies counter with veteran Chad Bettis, who has allowed a combined five runs on nine hits in 7.2 innings pitched across three Cactus League starts this year.
Dodgers lineup:
CF: A.J. Pollock
3B: Justin Turner
1B: Max Muncy
2B: Kiké Hernandez
RF: Cody Bellniger
LF: Joc Pederson
C: Russell Martin
DH: David Freese
SS: Chris Taylor
Rockies lineup:
RF: Charlie Blackmon
3B: Nolan Arenado
1B: Daniel Murphy
SS: Trevor Story
DH: Mark Reynolds
LF: David Dahl
2B: Ryan McMahon
C: Chris Iannetta
CF: Raimel Tapia
