The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to begin the three-game series against the Washington Nationals on Friday, Sept. 4, but they'll be doing so without the help of superstar Shohei Ohtani.
Ohtani is again sitting after a two-week slump in which he's hitting .137 with 20 strikeouts, and some believe he has been playing through knee, arm and neck injuries .
The Dodgers instead will look to build on a thrilling walk off win on Thursday without the four-time Most Valuable Player and another future Hall of Famer.
1. Tommy Edman, CF
2. Mookie Betts, SS
3. Teoscar Hernández, LF
4. Will Smith, C
5. Max Muncy, 3B
6. Miguel Rojas, 2B
7. Alex Call, DH
8. Kyle Tucker, RF
9. Kiké Hernández, 1B
In addition to resting Ohtani, the Dodgers are giving first baseman Freddie Freeman a day off.
Instead, fan favorite utility player Kiké Hernández will fill in at first base.
Aug 19, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Enrique Hernandez (8) celebrates his two run home run in the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Tommy Edman, who hit 4-for-5 on Thursday, will lead off again, shortstop Mookie Betts will hit second and Thursday's hero, left fielder Teoscar Hernández , remains hitting third.
With Freeman out, catcher Will Smith moves up to the cleanup spot, and third baseman Max Muncy, who is back starting again after coming in for Miguel Rojas on Thursday, is hitting fifth, while Rojas will hit sixth and play second base.
Right fielder Kyle Tucker and designated hitter Alex Call are switching spots in the batting order, with Call now hitting before Tucker, while Kiké Hernández will remain in the nine hole.
Two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell is pitching for the Dodgers.
Oct 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) pitches during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Snell missed a good portion of the season after undergoing surgery for loose bodies in his elbow, but he's made an impact when he's played.
So far this season, Snell has a 2-1 record with a 2.42 ERA.
