Adrian Gonzalez gets day off for Dodgers vs. Mets

The Dodgers battle the Mets on Friday night in the second game of a four-game weekend series, and will do so with a mostly right-handed lineup against left-handed Jonathon Niese.

Most notably, Adrian Gonzalez gets a day off, after 17 straight starts at first base. Gonzalez is out of the lineup for the first time since July 1.

Scott Van Slyke gets the call at first base, batting cleanup for the Dodgers. On his 29th birthday.

He is followed by Alex Guerrero, starting in left field for his first start in 10 games, since July 10.

Austin Barnes gets the call at catcher after Yasmani Grandal caught the last two games. Barnes is 3-for-11 with two walks so far in his big league career, and this is his fifth start behind the plate.

Mets rookie Michael Conforto, called up from Double-A Binghamton earlier Friday, starts in left field and bats seventh in his big league debut.

The only caveat is that there is a slight chance Niese might be scratched, as he, like Zack Greinke, has a wife about to give birth.

The Greinkes had their child on Friday, with Bode Nicholas Greinke checking in at six pounds, five ounces.

Niese though, for now, is still scheduled to start for New York despite earlier thoughts otherwise.

Jon Niese may not start tonight due to the impending birth of his child. #Mets may find a spot starter from their bullpen. Situation fluid.

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 24, 2015

Jon Niese's wife is in labor. Not pitching tonight.

— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) July 24, 2015

Actually, Jon Niese not officially scratched yet. To be determined.

— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) July 24, 2015