The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their Cactus League schedule by hitting three home runs in a win against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium, and now face the Chicago Cubs for their first game of the year at Camelback Ranch.
Sunday’s sold-out matchup is also noteworthy in that Mookie Betts is making his Dodgers debut. He’s starting in right field and penciled into the leadoff spot, which manager Dave Roberts indicated is where Betts will be most of the regular season.
Albeit less heralded, fellow newcomer Luke Raley also plays his first game with the Dodgers. He was acquired as part of the trade that sent Jair Camargo and Kenta Maeda to the Minnesota Twins.
Although he is expected to be part of a platoon with Joc Pederson in left field, A.J. Pollock’s first action of the spring comes via a start in center. Cody Bellinger, who played in the Cactus League opener, is not in Sunday’s lineup.
Alex Wood, back with the Dodgers after signing a one-year contract during the offseason, gets the start. Wood is among the pitchers competing for the fifth spot in the club’s Opening Day rotation.
Dave Roberts shared some thoughts on Alex Wood ahead of his start today. #DodgersST pic.twitter.com/o5q3mDr61P
— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) February 23, 2020
Caleb Ferguson, Mitchell White, Kenley Jansen and Jordan Sheffield are also scheduled to pitch against the Cubs.
The Dodgers face Tyler Chatwood, who is entering a third season with the Cubs. He went 5-3 with a 3.76 ERA in 38 games (five starts) last year. None of those appearances came against L.A.
Dodgers lineup:
RF: Mookie Betts
SS: Corey Seager
3B: Justin Turner
CF: A.J. Pollock
DH: Chris Taylor
C: Austin Barnes
2B: Gavin Lux
1B: Tyler White
LF: Luke Raley
Cubs lineup:
CF: Ian Happ
LF: Kyle Schwarber
C: Victor Caratini
3B: Hernan Perez
DH: Josh Phegley
2B: Daniel Descalso
SS: Nico Hoerner
RF: Noel Cuevas
1B: Corban Joseph
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