Spring Training Preview: Freddie Freeman Returns To Dodgers Lineup Against White Sox

Coming off a win against the Chicago Cubs, the Los Angeles Dodgers play another team from the Windy City with a matchup against their Camelback Ranch neighbor Chicago White Sox and a battle of the Michaels on the mound.

Michael Grove gets the start of L.A., looking to continue his Cactus League success in the hopes of earning a spot in the Dodgers Opening Day rotation while Tony Gonsolin is out.

The 26-year-old has been competing with Ryan Pepiot, who was removed from his start on Friday due to side soreness. It is believed to be a minor injury for Pepiot, but there remains a chance it could make Grove the favorite to open the season with the Dodgers.

Grove has pitched in four Cactus League games thus far, throwing 8.2 innings with a 4.15 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and eight strikeouts. Last season he pitched in seven games at the Major League level, going 1-0 with a 4.60 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 24 strikeouts in 29.1 innings.

His stuff has ticked up during Spring Training, and that has impressed Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who added the organization views Grove as one of their top pitching prospects.

Victor González, Yency Almonte, Brusdar Graterol, Shelby Miller and Wander Suero are scheduled to pitch against the White Sox as well.

The White Sox turn to Michael Kopech, who has only made one appearance this spring, going three perfect innings with one strikeout. Last season, Kopech pitched in 25 games, posting a 3.54 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 105 strikeouts in 119.1 innings.

Freddie Freeman is back in the Dodgers lineup for the first time since playing for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. Canada was eliminated after the first round of Pool play, but Freeman suffered a minor hamstring injury and had to leave the team early.

He previously expressed confidence that the hamstring tightness would not put his status for Opening Day in jeopardy.

Prior to leaving Dodgers camp for the WBC, Freeman hit .353/.421/1.000 with two doubles, three home runs and eight RBI through 17 Cactus League games.

Dodgers lineup

CF: Jason Heyward
DH: Freddie Freeman
LF: Trayce Thompson
RF: James Outman
3B: Chris Taylor
SS: Miguel Rojas
2B: Yonny Hernández
C: Hunter Feduccia
1B: Devin Mann

White Sox lineup

LF: Andrew Benintendi
RF: Adam Haseley
1B: Gavin Sheets
C: Yasmani Grandal
3B: Jake Burger
DH: Victor Reyes
CF: Jake Marisnick
2B: Zach Remillard
SS: Moises Castillo

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!