Noah Syndergaard makes his Los Angeles Dodgers debut and Mookie Betts is at second base for the series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dodgers are looking to extend their dominance over the Diamondbacks, which would have them off to a 3-1 start this season.
Since 2020, the Dodgers are 40-11 against the Diamondbacks, including a 21-4 mark at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers’ record against the Diamondbacks is the best against a division opponent since 2020.
Syndergaard ended his spring with consecutive rough outings, but he believed there still was progress achieved in the final Spring Training tuneup. Moreover, the right-hander is no longer focused on getting his fastball velocity to triple digits and instead wants to be an effective pitcher.
“I think the thing we’ve seen is he’s figured out the delivery, from the windup, from the stretch, that he feels comfortable with, that he can repeat,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the series finale.
“The command has been very good. Also, I think there’s been an uptick in velocity, which is not most important but it does play somewhat of a factor. As far as from the stretch, he’s quickened up. This team, very athletic, very fleet of foot. So obviously, you want to minimize traffic.
“But you know, certainly, if they get guys on base, they’re going to try to be aggressive with the running game. The command with Noah is impeccable. He’s got really good command. I’m excited for him to make his Dodgers debut. It’s something he’s always kind of dreamt about.”
Syndergaard is backed by a Dodgers lineup that includes Trayce Thompson despite the Diamondbacks starting a righty. Roberts quipped he created a “three-home rule” that guarantees a player will start the next game after hitting three long balls.
Betts is playing second base for the first time this season, which was prompted by Max Muncy likely being unavailable due to being struck in the groin area by a grounder on Saturday night.
Dodgers lineup
2B: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
DH: J.D. Martinez
LF: David Peralta
RF: Trayce Thompson
CF: James Outman
3B: Chris Taylor
SS: Miguel Rojas
Diamondbacks lineup
3B: Josh Rojas
2B: Ketel Marte
DH: Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
1B: Christian Walker
LF: Corbin Carroll
RF: Jake McCarthy
CF: Alek Thomas
SS: Geraldo Perdomo
C: Jose Herrera
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
