Dodgers vs. Angels starting lineups: Justin Sellers at SS, opening day preview?

The Dodgers host the Angels on Friday night at Dodger Stadium in the second game of the weekend Freeway Series, and the lineup has a look of a possible opening day lineup*. With Justin Sellers at shortstop.

Manager Don Mattingly reiterated on Friday he is considering resurrecting the optioned Sellers on Easter Sunday, going with the defensively strong lineup with Sellers at shortstop and Luis Cruz at third base. If Sellers isn't the every day starter at short, perhaps he could be in a platoon role.

"I want to keep seeing Justin at short," Mattingly said. "We have a lefty today, we'll see what happens."

Mattingly said he wasn't aware of any trade talks that might alleviate this left side of the infield concern, and that the second chance for Sellers came when discussing possible roster options with his coaches and the front office last week at Camelback Ranch.

"We had some good meetings and talks. When Hanley Ramirez goes out, we threw Cruzer over as the first thing we do. But when everybody gets together, we get a chance to think about it a little bit more and put some time on it," Mattingly said. "We still haven't settled anything, but it's just another point of thinking."

In his brief time in the majors Sellers has hit .245/.344/.340 against left-handed pitchers (in all of 61 plate appearances) compared to ..184/.254/.316 against righties. In the minors in 2011-2012 Sellers hit .375/.451/.725 in 92 PA against southpaws.

*Opening day lineup, with two caveats: Andre Ethier would likely bat fifth instead of sixth against Matt Cain; and obviously Clayton Kershaw is starting Monday.

Notes

• Josh Beckett makes his final spring tuneup before starting on Wednesday against the Giants.
• High desert native and former Long Beach State pitcher Jason Vargas starts for the Angels.
  
• Of all the relief pitchers, two notables who might see work on Friday are J.P. Howell, who last pitched Sunday, and Josh Wall, who last pitched Tuesday.
  

Time: 7:10 p.m.

TV: KCAL, Fox Sports West

Radio: KLAC 570, KTNQ 1020

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