Dodgers Lineup vs. Padres: Shohei Ohtani Returns, Not in Leadoff Spot
The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for the second game of a three-game homestand against the San Diego Padres.
In preparation for the second matchup of a three-game homestand against the San Diego Padres, the Los Angeles Dodgers have announced their lineup. The Dodgers are excited to welcome back Shohei Ohtani, who has returned from the injured list. The lineup features Mookie Betts at shortstop, followed by Ohtani at designated hitter, Will Smith at catcher, Freddie Freeman at first base, Teoscar Hernandez at left field, Kyle Tucker at right field, Andy Pages at center field, Max Muncy at third base, and Tommy Edman at second base.
The Dodgers are facing a left-handed pitcher in Robbie Ray, and the team has opted to utilize right-handed batters at the top of the lineup. Despite Ohtani's recent return, manager Dave Roberts has decided not to play him in the leadoff spot. Ohtani's potential leadoff spot is something Roberts has previously ruled out, and the decision has been made to play it safe.
Pages has returned to the lineup for a second consecutive game, demonstrating the Dodgers' confidence in his ability to handle a normal workload. In addition, the Dodgers will rely on Yoshinobu Yamamoto as their ace, the pitcher who has been performing exceptionally well against the Padres. Yamamoto, who faced the Padres on July 4th and struck out 10 batters while allowing no runs over seven innings, has an impressive recent record with a 1.79 ERA over his last 45.1 innings. Over that stretch, he has struck out 57 batters and walked only 12.
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