Alex Guerrero isn’t in the starting lineup for the Dodgers’ first game this season in an American League park, where they can use a designated hitter. (Getty Images)
Rangers starter Yovani Gallardo throws right-handed. Guerrero (a right-handed hitter) is slashing .286/.322/.655 in 90 plate appearances against right-handed pitchers this season.
Yet Alberto Callaspo is playing third base instead. Callaspo (a switch hitter) is slashing .250/.331/.310 against right-handed pitchers this season.
So why is Callaspo in the lineup and Guerrero isn’t?
“It came down to Adrian (Gonzalez) or (Guerrero). Really, once JT plays first, then it’s a matchup between Callaspo and Alex,” Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. “If Alex, I felt, was a better matchup, I probably would’ve played him at third.”
Justin Turner is playing first base, while Adrian Gonzalez will get a day as the Dodgers’ designated hitter. Here’s the complete lineup:
Joc Pederson CF
Yasiel Puig RF
Adrian Gonzalez DH
Howie Kendrick 2B
Justin Turner 1B
Andre Ethier LF
Yasmani Grandal C
Jimmy Rollins SS
Alberto Callaspo 3B
