Spring Training Preview: Former Dodgers Sheldon Neuse & Billy McKinney In A’s Lineup

The Los Angeles Dodgers return to Camelback Ranch Tuesday night for their only matchup against the Oakland Athletics during 2022 Spring Training.

Following a loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields, Tony Gonsolin starts for the Dodgers and tries to build off of his spring debut. Gonsolin didn’t allow a hit against the Colorado Rockies, notching four strikeouts over three innings in the process.

That was followed days later by manager Dave Roberts revealing Gonsolin had effectively earned a spot in the Dodgers’ Opening Day rotation. The right-hander posted a 3.23 ERA across 55.2 innings pitched last season.

Roberts has hinted the Dodgers could piggyback starters early in the season. Although he has not designated any pairings, one tandem could be with Tyler Anderson, who is scheduled to pitch after Gonsolin on Tuesday night.

Anderson was also impressive in his first appearance, notching seven strikeouts over three innings against the Rockies.

The A’s counter with Sean Manaea, who has allowed six runs over six innings this spring. Manaea faired much better in his most recent outing, going 4.2 innings, allowing just one run.

Manaea isn’t an overpowering arm, but his success comes with a heavy fastball, changeup mix, very similar to that of Dallas Keuchel of the White Sox, who the Dodgers struggled with for 4.1 innings of shutout ball.

The lefty has been tossed around in trade chatter recently along with teammate Frankie Montas.

The A’s lineup features former Dodgers Billy McKinney and Sheldon Neuse. McKinney signed with the Athletics earlier this month, and Neuse did as well once the MLB lockout lifted and he was no longer in limbo.

Neuse was designated for assignment as the corresponding roster move to the Dodgers re-signing Chris Taylor last December. Taylor is playing left field for his first time in the outfield as he navigates a recovery from offseason elbow surgery.

Although Trea Turner is likely to bat third in the Dodgers lineup during the regular season, he is leading off against the A’s. Freddie Freeman remains in his now-familiar second spot, and Justin Turner is batting third.

Dodgers lineup

SS: Trea Turner
1B: Freddie Freeman
3B: Justin Turner
DH: Max Muncy
C: Will Smith
LF: Chris Taylor
CF: Cody Bellinger
2B: Gavin Lux
RF: Kevin Pillar

A’s lineup

LF: Billy McKinney
C: Stephen Vogt
RF: Ramón Laureano
DH: Eric Thames
2B: Christian Lopes
1B: Dalton Kelly
3B: Sheldon Neuse
CF: Cristian Pache
SS: Kevin Smith

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