The starting lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ first series against the Detroit Tigers has been announced.

by

The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to open their 2025 home season against the Detroit Tigers on March 27 at Dodger Stadium. This matchup features a compelling pitching duel between two Cy Young Award winners: the Dodgers’ newly acquired left-hander Blake Snell and the Tigers’ ace Tarik Skubal.

Starting Pitchers:

  • Blake Snell (Dodgers): Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award recipient, signed a five-year, $182 million contract with Los Angeles this offseason. He brings an ace pedigree to the Dodgers’ rotation and will be making his regular-season debut for the team in this home opener.
  • Tarik Skubal (Tigers): Skubal, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, had an impressive 2024 season, leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. He will start for Detroit, presenting a significant challenge to the Dodgers’ lineup.

Projected Dodgers Starting Lineup:

  1. Shohei Ohtani (Designated Hitter): Ohtani transitions to the leadoff spot, a role in which he excelled during the previous season, batting .307 with 35 home runs and 44 stolen bases in 90 games.
  2. Mookie Betts (Shortstop): Betts moves to the second spot in the order, providing a potent combination of power and speed. He is also transitioning to playing shortstop this season, adding versatility to the Dodgers’ defense.
  3. Freddie Freeman (First Base): Freeman, a consistent offensive force, continues to anchor the lineup in the third position. He has a career batting average over .300 when hitting third.
  4. Teoscar Hernández (Outfield): Hernández, who won the 2024 Home Run Derby and hit a career-high 33 home runs with 99 RBIs last season, remains in the cleanup spot. He signed a three-year, $66 million contract to stay with the Dodgers.
  5. Max Muncy (Third Base): Muncy provides additional power in the middle of the lineup, capable of changing the game’s momentum with his home run potential.
  6. Will Smith (Catcher): Smith is recognized as one of the most consistent catchers in the league, contributing both offensively and defensively.
  7. Michael Conforto (Outfield): Conforto adds depth to the lineup with his left-handed bat and experience.
  8. Tommy Edman (Outfield): Edman brings speed and versatility, capable of playing multiple positions and contributing on the base paths.
  9. Hyeseong Kim (Second Base): Kim rounds out the lineup, providing solid defense and contact hitting.

Additional Notes:

  • Gavin Lux (Infielder): Lux returns after missing the 2024 season due to injury, adding depth to the infield and potentially platooning with other players.
  • Broadcast Information: The home opener will be exclusively televised by ESPN, with the game starting at 4 p.m. PT.

This lineup showcases the Dodgers’ formidable offensive capabilities as they begin their quest to defend their World Series title.

Leave a Comment