Spring Training Preview: J.D. Martinez Starts For Dodgers In Left Field Vs. Oakland A’s

The Los Angeles Dodgers begin their final week of Cactus League play with a matchup against the Oakland Athletics at Camelback Ranch. It’s their second meeting of 2023 Spring Training, with the A’s previously coming away with a 1-0 victory.

The Dodgers try to avoid being swept in their spring matchups with Dustin May on the mound for his fourth game (third start). May should stretch out to five innings and is coming off consecutive appearances without allowing a run.

He’s not only been encouraged by the results but also getting further away from the grueling rehab process after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2021. May is poised to play a pivotal role for the Dodgers in his first full season since the operation.

Gavin Stone, Jimmy Nelson and Jake Reed are also scheduled to pitch at some point after May.

The Dodgers lineup on Sunday features James Outman in the leadoff spot, Freddie Freeman at first base and J.D. Martinez in left field. Freeman is playing the field for the first time since suffering a minor right hamstring injury, and he’s coming off a day of reaching base safely in all three plate appearances.

Meanwhile, the start in left field is Martinez’s second of the spring. Although Martinez is expected to be the everyday designated hitter in the lineup during the regular, the veteran considers himself capable of occasionally playing left field as well.

Shintaro Fujinami is on the mound for Oakland in his fourth Spring Training start. The right-hander enters 2-0 with a 5.63 ERA and is coming off an outing in which he allowed four runs to the Colorado Rockies.

Dodgers lineup

DH: James Outman
1B: Freddie Freeman
LF: J.D. Martinez
3B: Max Muncy
CF: Trayce Thompson
SS: Miguel Rojas
2B: Miguel Vargas
RF: Steven Duggar
C: Patrick Mazeika

Athletics lineup

CF: Esteury Ruiz
1B: Ryan Noda
C: Shea Langeliers
LF: Conner Capel
DH: Tyler Soderstrom
SS: Nick Allen
RF: JJ Bleday
3B: Tyler Wade
2B: Zack Gelof

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