After a profitable begin to the season in Japan, the Dodgers returned to Chavez Ravine with two of their superstars again within the lineup for the Freeway Collection exhibition opener on Sunday.
Nonetheless, solely Freddie Freeman would find yourself beginning. Mookie Betts was scratched hours earlier than first pitch.
The shortstop, who didn’t play in Japan due to sickness, was anticipated to see restricted taking part in time in opposition to the Angels.
Supervisor Dave Roberts mentioned Betts was recovering properly, feeling stronger and was making progress regaining the 15 kilos he misplaced.
Betts and Freeman have been anticipated to every get two at-bats and play three to 4 innings on protection. The Dodgers count on them to play in Thursday’s residence opener in opposition to the Detroit Tigers, in line with Roberts, however given Betts’ elimination from the lineup, that would change.
Miguel Rojas began at shortstop in his place.
The Dodgers proceed to observe Freeman’s rib discomfort, which could stem from scar tissue close to his ribs that “just sort of broke up,” in line with Roberts. Freeman didn’t play within the Dodgers’ Tokyo Collection finale.
Whereas Freeman has felt higher the previous two days, Roberts mentioned Freeman “wouldn’t be out there if he didn’t feel confident that he’s on his way back.”
Blake Snell will begin residence opener
Dodgers beginning pitcher Blake Snell, left, speaks with catcher Will Smith throughout an exhibition recreation in opposition to the Hanshin Tigers in Tokyo on March 16.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Instances)
Blake Snell, who signed a five-year, $182-million cope with the Dodgers within the offseason, will make his Dodgers regular-season debut in opposition to the Detroit Tigers on Thursday.
“He was certainly honored, excited,” Roberts mentioned. “Blake chose to be a Dodger for various reasons. And for him to start the home opener here at Dodger Stadium, I think it’s just something else he can add to his already great career.”
It will likely be a matchup of Cy Younger winners, as Snell — who gained the award in 2018 and 2023 — begins reverse of final 12 months’s American League Cy Younger winner, Tarik Skubal. Roberts mentioned they’re “two of the top-five pitchers in all of baseball.”
The following flip within the rotation will function Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who began the Dodgers’ season opener in Japan. Roki Sasaki, who additionally pitched within the opening sequence, will take the mound Saturday.
Tyler Glasnow’s first begin might be subsequent week in opposition to Atlanta since he’s slated to start out Tuesday in opposition to the Angels.
