The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on May 15 several lineup changes ahead of their opening game in the Freeway Series against the Los Angeles Angels.
The adjustments include Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts returning to the starting lineup after sitting out Thursday’s game, while first baseman Freddie Freeman will have a day off. These moves are notable as both Ohtani and Betts are key players for the Dodgers, and Freeman is typically a mainstay in the batting order.
In a late change, pitcher Blake Snell was scratched from his scheduled start. The team is expected to use reliever Will Klein as an opener instead, marking a bullpen game strategy. Klein has posted a 2.76 earned run average over 12 games this season and contributed during Game 3 of the World Series. Other pitchers who may see action include Jack Dreyer, Wyatt Mills, and Blake Treinen.
The batting order for Friday’s matchup features Ohtani leading off as designated hitter, followed by Betts at shortstop. Catcher Will Smith bats third after hitting a leadoff home run Thursday night. Kyle Tucker will bat cleanup with Andy Pages following him in fifth position. Max Muncy bats sixth at third base; Teoscar Hernández is seventh in left field; Dalton Rushing fills in for Freeman at first base batting eighth; Hyeseong Kim rounds out the order at second base.
For the Angels, Jack Kochanowicz will start on the mound with a current record of two wins and two losses along with an earned run average of 3.97 this season.
First pitch at Angel Stadium is set for 6:38 p.m.
