Exhibition Freeway Series Preview: Mookie Betts Playing Second Base With Dodgers Platoons

The Los Angeles Dodgers resumed their Spring Training schedule with a 5-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels and now wrap up the Dodger Stadium portion of the exhibition Freeway Series.

After Monday, the three-game series shifts to Angel Stadium for the finale on Tuesday night. The Dodgers then have one day off before they host the St. Louis Cardinals in the Dodger Stadium opener on Thursday.

Gavin Stone makes his final tuneup of the spring and looks to build on his previous success. In four Cactus League games (three starts), he allowed just one run and had nine strikeouts over 9.2 innings pitched.

Stone also threw 3.1 no-hit innings in an exhibition game against Team Korea and collected eight strikeouts during the relief appearance.

The right-hander revealed after the game that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had informed him earlier in the day of earning the fifth spot in the Opening Day rotation.

“I’m incredibly thankful for that and the opportunity that they’re giving me. Very appreciative. I’m looking forward to taking advantage of it,” Stone said.

After his outing against the Angels, Stone’s next start could come in the Dodgers’ series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals on an extra day of rest.

Dodgers prospect Zyhir Hope, who was acquired in the trade that sent Michael Busch to the Chicago Cubs, is among the other pitchers expected to take the mound against the Angels. So too are Ryan Yarbrough, Joe Kelly, Daniel Hudson and Alex Vesia.

The Angels counter with Reid Detmers, who looks to finish Spring Training on a strong note. He went 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 20 strikeouts in 13.1 innings pitched during Cactus League play (four starts).

The left-hander endured an inconsistent 2023 season but is slotted to be the No. 3 starter in the Angels’ Opening Day starting rotation.

With a southpaw on the mound, the Dodgers lineup features a wrinkle of Mookie Betts moving back to second base so Miguel Rojas can start at shortstop.

Additional platoon matchups have Chris Taylor in left field, Kiké Hernández starting in center field and Teoscar Hernández over in right field.

Dodgers lineup

2B: Mookie Betts
DH: Shohei Ohtani
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
3B: Max Muncy
RF: Teoscar Hernández
CF: Kiké Hernández
LF: Chris Taylor
SS: Miguel Rojas

Angels lineup

DH: Anthony Rendon
RF: Aaron Hicks
CF: Mike Trout
LF: Taylor Ward
2B: Brandon Drury
1B: Nolan Schanuel
3B: Miguel Sanó
C: Logan O’Hoppe
SS: Zach Neto