Dodgers Star Returns To Lineup, L.A. Attempts to Avoid 2nd Sweep by Brewers

The Los Angeles Dodgers will look to salvage the finale of their three-game set against Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon, and they’ll do so with a familiar presence back atop the lineup. After sitting out Saturday’s loss, Mookie Betts has returned to the leadoff spot as Los Angeles attempts to avoid being swept by the Brewers for the second time this season.

Betts Back in Leadoff Role

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Betts was out of Saturday’s lineup following a 0-for-4 performance Friday night. Manager Dave Roberts said the move was meant to give Betts a mental breather amid his ongoing struggles at the plate. “It’s going to be a day-to-day thing,” Roberts said of Betts’ status. “It’s going to be my decision on how I feel he is mentally to take on that night’s starter.”

Sunday marks Betts’ first time hitting leadoff since last June, a spot where he’s historically thrived. His return comes at a pivotal moment for the Dodgers, whose offensive firepower has cooled in recent days. Despite a flurry of home runs on Saturday night, the bats weren’t enough to overcome the Brewers’ consistent attack.

Sunday Matchup: Kershaw vs. Quintana

Veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw will take the ball for Los Angeles, carrying a 3.38 ERA with 35 strikeouts into the game. Opposing him will be Milwaukee southpaw Jose Quintana, who has quietly put together a strong season with a 3.28 ERA and 48 strikeouts.

Roberts is hoping Kershaw can set the tone early and give LA a chance to settle in offensively. The lineup behind him will feature Shohei Ohtani in the No. 2 hole and Freddie Freeman batting cleanup, as L.A. looks to generate early momentum.

Full Dodgers Lineup

1. Mookie Betts, SS
2. Shohei Ohtani, DH
3. Teoscar Hernández, RF
4. Freddie Freeman, 1B
5. Tommy Edman, 3B
6. Miguel Rojas, 2B
7. Andy Pages, CF
8. Esteury Ruiz, LF
9. Dalton Rushing, C

Brewers Adjust Lineup

Milwaukee, meanwhile, will rest second baseman Brice Turang, who had started 11 consecutive games but slumped to a .190 average over that stretch. Andruw Monasterio will take his place in the lineup as the Brewers aim to complete another sweep of L.A., having previously done so in Milwaukee earlier this season.

1. Jackson Chourio, RF
2. William Contreras, DH
3. Andrew Vaughn, 1B
4. Isaac Collins, LF
5. Caleb Durbin, 3B
6. Blake Perkins, CF
7. Andruw Monasterio, 2B
8. Joey Ortiz, SS
9. Eric Haase, C

First Pitch and Broadcast Info

The Dodgers and Milwaukee wrap up their series at 1:10 p.m. PT on Sunday at Dodger Stadium. The game will be broadcast on SportsNet LA.

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