GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Dodgers have posted their lineup for their first spring training game on Wednesday, against the White Sox at 12:05 p.m. PT at Camelback Ranch.
Newcomers abound, with shortstop Jimmy Rollins batting leadoff, second baseman Howie Kendrick batting cleanup and catcher Yasmani Grandal batting fifth.
Manager Don Mattingly's normal spring strategy, especially early on, is to play his regulars for two games, followed by a day off to work on things either in the batting cage or on the practice fields, or both. But with Friday's split squad action calling for two games on just the third day on the schedule, just about every regular will play Friday, meaning Mattingly has to stagger his lineups these first two games.
In other words, look for Yasiel Puig, Justin Turner, Scott Van Slyke and A.J. Ellis, among others on Thursday.
Among players fighting for roles, Andre Ethier starts in center field with Joc Pederson at designated hitter, while Alex Guerrero will see time at third base on Wednesday as a reserve.
"You're going to see Andre all over the outfield," Mattingly said. "I think on my board I have the lineups for the next game he plays, and he's in right."
Position players are scheduled to play roughly four innings in the early going, or just enough to get two plate appearances. This early in the spring schedule, the lineup also shows scheduled reserves as well.
For the Dodgers on Wednesday, that means Enrique Hernandez at shortstop, Scott Schebler in left field, O`Koyea Dickson at first base, Darwin Barney at second base, Austin Barnes at catcher, Darnell Sweeney in center field, Guerrero at third, Corey Seager at desginated hitter and Kyle Jensen in right field.
The Dodgers on Monday announced the pitchers for this spring opener, with Erik Bedard starting, followed by Carlos Frias, Adam Liberatore, Juan Nicasio, Sergio Santos and Josh Ravin.
Among those also suiting up for the Dodgers on Wednesday are infielders Erisbel Aruebarrena and Buck Britton, catchers Chris O`Brien and Shawn Zarraga, and outfielder Matt Carson.