Dodgers Preview: Mookie Betts Returns To Leadoff Spot In 2nd Game Vs. Giants
Mookie Betts, 2020 Spring Training
Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY Sports


After starting the 2020 season off with a win, the Los Angeles Dodgers look to begin a winning streak and do so with a lineup that more closely matches the expected. Mookie Betts is in the leadoff spot, where he spent much of Spring Training and Summer Camp.

However, with the Dodgers facing a right-hander in Johnny Cueto on Opening Day, Betts was swapped atop the order with Max Muncy. Now that L.A. is due to see left-hander Tyler Anderson, Betts is in the leadoff spot and Muncy is hitting second.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the leadoff hitter will be decided by whether the opposing starter is left- or right-handed. From there, the Dodgers lineup will likely alternate handedness to guard against losing a competitive advantage.

As for their own starter, the Dodgers had the ball to Ross Stripling, who was nothing short of impressive during Summer Camp. The performance earned Stripling the fifth spot in the Opening Day rotation, which was an opportunity that came about when David Price opted out of playing.

Price shared his emotions with watching the Dodgers from home, and he’s due to be part of SportsNet LA’s broadcast Friday night.

While the Giants were slow to publicly name their starter, Roberts indicated the Dodgers are expecting to potentially see Jeff Samardzija as well. However, San Francisco has previously suggested Anderson is someone who stretched out during camp and can provide length rather than serve as an opener.

Dodgers lineup

RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Max Muncy
3B: Justin Turner
CF: Cody Bellinger
2B: Kiké Hernandez
SS: Corey Seager
LF: Chris Taylor
DH: Joc Pederson
C: Will Smith

Giants lineup

CF: Mike Yastrzemski
3B: Wilmer FLores
1B: Pablo Sandoval
DH: Alex Dickerson
LF: Joe McCarthy
2B: Mauricio Dubón
SS: Brandon Crawford
RF: Jaylin Davis
C: Rob Brantly

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