The Los Angeles Dodgers began their 2023 Spring Training campaign on Saturday with many of their regulars in the lineup, including Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Gavin Lux, Miguel Vargas and David Peralta.
However, Mookie Betts was not among the players in either of their first two Cactus League games. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts previously said players who are taking part in the 2023 World Baseball Classic will receive extra playing time in Spring Training before heading out to their respective teams.
Betts is set to play for Team USA, and although he has not taken the field with L.A., he is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut on Monday against the San Diego Padres. Non-roster invitee Jason Heyward, who has impressed in camp so far with his reworked swing, is also scheduled to play at Peoria Sports Complex.
“He’s on the same program as Jason (Heyward),” Roberts said. “I wanted Jason to take some more lives and then we’ll get him out there.”
Betts will likely be in right field against the Padres, but that hasn’t been fully decided. Roberts previously said Betts will see time at second base before heading off to the World Baseball Classic, and he reconfirmed that on Sunday.
The six-time All-Star is expected to see time at second for Team USA due to their deep outfield group.
Of Betts’ 319 games played for the Dodgers, he has made 286 appearances in right field and only 15 at second base, plus another 31 in center field. With the Boston Red Sox, he only appeared at second base 15 times, but originally played there in the Minor Leagues before moving to right field to accommodate Dustin Pedroia.
Julio Urías among Dodgers probables
Julio Urías is scheduled as the starter for Tuesday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds and is set to throw two innings. Following Urías, Noah Syndergaard is scheduled to go two innings for his Dodgers Spring Training debut.
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