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Will Smith Remains Out for Dodgers’ Series Opener

The Los Angeles Dodgers kept catcher Will Smith out of the lineup for their series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Smith has missed the last couple of games dealing with stiffness in his neck.

The Dodgers got a rest day Monday following a series win at home against the Los Angeles Angels, and will hope to carry some momentum into their series against the Pirates despite a loss on Sunday.

Who is Starting for the Dodgers?

Eric Lauer is making his third start for the Dodgers since arriving from the Toronto Blue Jays, and will look to keep his run of solid form since joining from the Dodgers’ World Series opponents. Through his two starts so far, Lauer has pitched to a 2.53 ERA through 10.2 innings pitched.

He’ll look to have another solid showing as the Dodgers look to snag the first game of the series against the Pirates.

Who is in the Dodgers’ Lineup?

Shohei Ohtani leads off for the Dodgers, and center fielder Andy Pages will keep his spot as the Dodgers No. 2 hitter. First baseman Freddie Freeman will bat third in the series opener, followed by shortstop Mookie Betts and third baseman Max Muncy.

Right fielder Kyle Tucker bats sixth for the Dodgers, followed by left fielder Ryan Ward. Dalton Rushing remains the Dodgers’ catcher in Smith’s stead, and second baseman Alex Freeland rounds out the order.

Dodgers Lineup vs. Pirates

1. Shohei Ohtani, DH
2. Andy Pages, CFins
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Mookie Betts, SS
5. Max Muncy, 3B
6. Kyle Tucker, RF
7. Ryan Ward, LF
8. Dalton Rushing, C
9. Alex Freeland, 2B
P. Eric Lauer, LHP

Who is Starting for the Pirates?

The Dodgers will have their hands full in the first game of the series, as Paul Skenes will get the start for the hosts. Skenes won last season’s NL Cy Young award, and while his numbers haven’t looked quite as good as last year’s, he is still one of the best pitchers in MLB.

He has allowed three or more runs in all of his last four starts, though, and the Dodgers will look to get on the board against him early in the season opener.

How do you feel about the first game of the series?

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