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Spring Training Preview: Mookie Betts Makes Dodgers Debut Vs. Cubs

Matthew Moreno
3 Min Read
Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their Cactus League schedule by hitting three home runs in a win against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium, and now face the Chicago Cubs for their first game of the year at Camelback Ranch.

Sunday’s sold-out matchup is also noteworthy in that Mookie Betts is making his Dodgers debut. He’s starting in right field and penciled into the leadoff spot, which manager Dave Roberts indicated is where Betts will be most of the regular season.

Albeit less heralded, fellow newcomer Luke Raley also plays his first game with the Dodgers. He was acquired as part of the trade that sent Jair Camargo and Kenta Maeda to the Minnesota Twins.

Although he is expected to be part of a platoon with Joc Pederson in left field, A.J. Pollock’s first action of the spring comes via a start in center. Cody Bellinger, who played in the Cactus League opener, is not in Sunday’s lineup.

Alex Wood, back with the Dodgers after signing a one-year contract during the offseason, gets the start. Wood is among the pitchers competing for the fifth spot in the club’s Opening Day rotation.

Caleb Ferguson, Mitchell White, Kenley Jansen and Jordan Sheffield are also scheduled to pitch against the Cubs.

The Dodgers face Tyler Chatwood, who is entering a third season with the Cubs. He went 5-3 with a 3.76 ERA in 38 games (five starts) last year. None of those appearances came against L.A.

Dodgers lineup:

RF: Mookie Betts
SS: Corey Seager
3B: Justin Turner
CF: A.J. Pollock
DH: Chris Taylor
C: Austin Barnes
2B: Gavin Lux
1B: Tyler White
LF: Luke Raley

Cubs lineup:

CF: Ian Happ
LF: Kyle Schwarber
C: Victor Caratini
3B: Hernan Perez
DH: Josh Phegley
2B: Daniel Descalso
SS: Nico Hoerner
RF: Noel Cuevas
1B: Corban Joseph

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Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com