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Spring Training Preview: Austin Barnes Returns To Dodgers Lineup Against Mariners

Matthew Moreno
3 Min Read
Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers play their final night game in Cactus League as they face the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex. The Dodgers and Mariners played to a 2-2 tie in their meeting at Camelback Ranch on March 8.

Austin Barnes is back in the Dodgers lineup for the first time since playing with Team Mexico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Mexico was eliminated by eventual champion Team Japan in the WBC semifinals.

Barnes is behind the plate to catch Ryan Pepiot, who is making his fifth Spring Training start. The right-hander came out of his last outing after just three innings due to both a long stretch between pitches and also some side soreness.

Pepiot has four strikeouts in each of his last three starts and is considered by many the favorite to fill the Opening Day rotation void created by Tony Gonsolin’s ankle injury. Pepiot should stretch out to at least four innings.

Tyler Cyr, Tayler Scott, Wander Suero and Adam Kolarek are also scheduled to pitch Wednesday night.

The Mariners counter with George Kirby, who is entering his second season with the club. Kirby got off to a shaky start this spring but has turned in two consecutive outings without allowing an earned run.

In addition to Barnes, the Dodgers lineup includes regulars Max Muncy, Trayce Thompson, Miguel Rojas and Miguel Vargas. James Outman is in the leadoff spot as he continues to compete for the final spot on the Dodgers Opening Day roster.

Dodgers lineup

RF: James Outman
C: Austin Barnes
3B: Max Muncy
CF: Trayce Thompson
SS: Miguel Rojas
2B: Miguel Vargas
DH: Steve Duggar
1B: Ryan Ward
LF: Bradley Zimmer

Mariners lineup

CF: Julio Rodríguez
2B: Kolten Wong
1B: Ty France
RF: Teoscar Hernández
C: Cal Raleigh
3B: Eugenio Suárez
LF: AJ Pollock
DH: Cooper Hummel
SS: J.P. Crawford

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Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com