PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JUNE 02: Mookie Betts wearing number 50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers fields a ground-ball out against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on June 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The photograph, captured by Christian Petersen for Getty Images, accompanies a report about the Dodgers, who are currently in a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies. With the series tied at one game apiece, Los Angeles is aiming to secure the series win on Wednesday night at home. In the hours leading up to the first pitch of the Rockies-Dodgers clash, both teams released their lineups, revealing a number of notable changes for the Dodgers, including Betts, who earned a day off on Tuesday.
Before the series finale, the Dodgers announced their starting lineup, highlighting several adjustments. Betts, who sat out Tuesday, is back in the lineup, while other shifts are also in play. The lineup was posted by Underdog MLB, and it shows Mookie Betts at shortstop, Freeman at first base, Muncy at third, Tucker in right field, Call in center, and Alfonso catching, with Roki Sasaki taking the mound. The order places Tommy Edman batting second, with Betts returning to the field after the brief absence. The lineup also features an outfield arrangement that includes Alex Call in center and Eliezer Alfonso catching instead of Dalton Rushing, while Andy Pages remains out of the lineup.
In addition to Betts’ return, the lineup notes indicate several other tactical decisions. Eliezer Alfonso steps behind the plate over Dalton Rushing, and Alex Call is deployed in center field, leaving room for Betts to roam the diamond in his usual spot when the Dodgers take the field. The pitching assignment for the Dodgers is anchored by Roki Sasaki, who is slated to start, contributing to a game plan that relies on Sasaki’s arm to set the tone early. The move to bat Tommy Edman second signals a deliberate attempt to bolster the top of the order and maximize run-scoring opportunities in a pivotal divisional matchup.
This lineup update comes as the Dodgers look to build momentum heading into a critical series against an equally hungry Rockies squad. Betts’ return to the lineup is a welcome sight for Dodgers fans, who have watched him contribute in multiple facets of the game throughout the season. The shift in catchers, with Alfonso getting the nod behind the plate, is another strategic element designed to optimize the Dodgers’ defense and handling of Sasaki on the mound. Meanwhile, Alex Call’s placement in center aims to stabilize the outfield defense while keeping the lineup depth intact, particularly with Pages unavailable in this game.
As Los Angeles aims to improve its standing in the standings and gain a series win at home, the decision to lineup Betts in a fresh configuration underscores the Dodgers’ willingness to adjust on the fly. The team will look for Betts to deliver a productive performance at the plate and contribute defensively as he plays his position with the confidence and versatility that have characterized his career. The Rockies, meanwhile, will counter with their own strategic approach, attempting to exploit any vulnerabilities in the Dodgers’ lineup and capitalize on opportunities to swing the series in their favor. With Sasaki on the mound and Edman slotting into the two-hole, the Dodgers’ lineup is built to anchor a balanced and dynamic attack as they strive to close out the series in front of a home crowd.
Content Source: Yahoo News
Image Credit: Getty Images
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