The Los Angeles Dodgers are keeping Shohei Ohtani out of their lineup for his start Tuesday’s game against the Miami Marlins.
This marks the second time Ohtani has only pitched in a game this season, the first coming earlier in April against the New York Mets. During that outing, the Dodgers’ superstar he pitched six-innings and only allowed one run.
LA is coming off of a gritty win in the first game of their series against the Marlins, during which they scored three runs in the ninth to walk off the visitors.
Ohtani will take the mound for the Dodgers and look to improve on his already impressive start to the MLB season. He has four starts under his belt so far, and has only allowed one earned run through 24 innings pitched.
Taking Ohtani’s leadoff spot in the lineup is designated hitter Dalton Rushing, who also played DH last time Ohtani didn’t feature in the lineup. The next part of the lineup remains unchanged, with first baseman Freddie Freeman, catcher Will Smith and right fielder Kyle Tucker in the No. 2 to No. 4 spots.
Third baseman Max Muncy rounds out the heart of the order, followed by left fielder Teoscar Hernandez and center fielder Andy Pages. Hyeseong Kim mans shortstop and bats eighth, and second baseman Alex Freeland rounds out the lineup.
1. Dalton Rushing, DH2. Freddie Freeman, 1B3. Will Smith, C4. Kyle Tucker, RF5. Max Muncy, 3B 6. Teoscar Hernandez, LF7. Andy Pages, CF8. Hyeseong Kim, SS9. Alex Freeland, 2BP. Shohei Ohtani, RHP
Right-hander Janson Junk is set to make his sixth start of the season on Tuesday, and he’s been solid through the early portion of the season. He has a 3.67 ERA through 27 innings pitched, and is coming off of the best outing of his season—during which he posted five scoreless innings.
The Dodgers rolled out a left-handed heavy lineup to deal with Junk, who has allowed a .345 batting average against lefties this season.
LA will hope to use that to their advantage as they seek to expand their lead at the top of the division and win their second consecutive series at home. First pitch comes at 7:10 p.m. PT.