By: George Lopez

Opening day of the 2022 MLB season is a day away. Excitement and optimism fill fans from all across the country. For LA Dodgers fans, expectations of a trip to the world series are running high. Coming off a 106-win season and a trip to the NLCS in 2021, the Dodgers are looking to improve.

When the lockout finally ended, the Dodgers made a big splash in free agency by signing Freddie Freeman to a six-year deal. Freeman’s bat will help to offset the loss of Corey Seager’s bat in the lineup. The projected lineup opposing pitchers will see from the Dodgers:

1. Mookie Betts-Right Field
2. Freddie Freeman-First Base
3. Trea Turner-Shortstop
4. Max Muncy-DH
5. Justin Turner-Third Base
6. Will Smith-Catcher
7. Chris Taylor-Left Field
8. Cody Bellinger-Center Field
9. Gavin Lux-Second Base

This lineup has the potential to put off 6-7 runs a night. Look for the Dodgers to continue with their offensive approach of grinding out at-bats. A key to this lineup reaching its full potential will be Cody Bellinger. Throughout spring training, Bellinger has worked on adjusting his swing in an attempt to get back his 2019 MVP form. If Bellinger is able to rediscover his swing, he will provide a dangerous left-handed bat at the end of the lineup.

For years, the Dodgers have had an abundant amount of starting pitching depth. Going into this season, there are some questions about the back end of their starting rotation. The projected starting rotation:

Walker Buehler

Julio Urias

Clayton Kershaw

Andrew Heaney

Tony Gonsolin

Look for Buehler and Urias to continue to improve as they become more entrenched as the top 2 starters in the Dodgers rotation. Clayton Kershaw entered spring training healthy and has looked sharp all spring. The Dodgers like the matchup in a 3^rd game of a playoff series with Kershaw taking the mound.

[pickup_prop id=”22996″]

In the bullpen, the Dodgers needed to address the loss of 2 significant pitchers…Joe Kelly and closer Kenley Jansen. The Dodgers were able to address the closer’s role by trading for Craig Kimbrel late in spring training. By acquiring Kimbrel, the Dodges are able to keep Blake Treinen in the set-up role where he is more valuable to the Dodgers. Look for Brusdar Graterol to take the place of Joe Kelly in an improved bullpen. David Price and Tyler Anderson will give the Dodgers some flexibility by being able spot start as well as pitching in long relief.

Prediction

The Dodgers streak of consecutive NL West titles was stopped at 8 last year by the San Francisco Giants. Look for the Dodgers to begin a new streak this season. If healthy, the Dodgers will represent the NL in the 2022 World Series

Season record: 102-60