​PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JUNE 02: Mookie Betts #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. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
With Mookie Betts returning, the Dodgers are demoting Alex Freeland as they prepare for a three-game series with the Colorado Rockies. With the series tied at one game apiece, Los Angeles aims to claim the series win at home on Wednesday night. Moments before the first pitch of the finale, the Dodgers released their lineup, highlighting several changes, most notably Betts, who had been given Tuesday off.
The lineup, released hours before first pitch and confirmed by Underdog MLB, reads as follows: Dodgers 7/8: S. Ohtani DH, T. Edman 2B, F. Freeman 1B, M. Betts SS, M. Muncy 3B, T. Hernández LF, K. Tucker RF, A. Call CF, E. Alfonzo C, R. Sasaki SP. Betts is back in the lineup! Also in notable shifts, Eliezer Alfonso takes over catching duties instead of Dalton Rushing, while Alex Call starts in center field with Andy Pages left out of the lineup. Roki Sasaki will get the start on the mound, and Tommy Edman will bat second.
The Dodgers fell on Tuesday, but they continue to excel against NL West competition, maintaining a commanding lead in the division. Los Angeles enjoys a rare level of lineup fluidity, allowing the team to interchange players frequently without facing usual postseason-like penalties. It sometimes appears that a different All-Star is afforded a day off each game, even when rest isn’t strictly necessary.
Mookie Betts has become a central figure in Los Angeles’ lineup strategy. Manager Dave Roberts has earned wide praise for his adaptive use of Betts, particularly for positioning him as a near-constant presence in the cleanup spot. Betts, who had been sidelined by an oblique injury and experienced a period of inconsistency at the plate, has since found renewed form. His improved production at the plate has coincided with the Dodgers’ ascent to the top of MLB standings.
Statistically, Betts has shown a .236 batting average this season, reflecting a steady revival in his offensive contributions as the team continues to push for longevity at the pinnacle of the sport. On the field, Betts remains a dynamic contributor, offering premium defense and clutch hitting that complements the Dodgers’ carbon-copy approach to competition: depth, flexibility, and relentless pursuit of victories.
As the Dodgers prepare for the finale against the Rockies, Betts’ return injects even more veteran leadership into a lineup already accustomed to frequent adjustments. The combination of Betts’ recent form, the team’s depth, and the strategic rotation of roles across the roster continues to shape a season that has the Dodgers positioned for sustained success. The ongoing balance between rest and execution will likely continue to be a talking point as the team seeks to maintain its edge in a deep and competitive league.