The Los Angeles Dodgers picked up a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday afternoon. It was the first spring training appearance for Mookie Betts, who played four innings at shortstop and scored a run.
Freddie Freeman drove in that run with a double to the wall in left-center during the first inning. He finished his day after collecting three of his planned 47 plate appearances this spring and talked with Kirsten Watson in the dugout for SportsNet LA.
During that interview, Freeman confirmed where he will hit in the Dodgers lineup this season.
Freeman Confirms His Spot in the Lineup
Freeman will bat cleanup for the Dodgers in 2026. He spent most of last season hitting third, with 96 starts in that spot compared to 47 starts batting fourth. The move down one slot in the order is intentional.
“I’ve always loved being in the middle of the lineup,” Freeman said. “I love when there’s guys on base. Being in the 4-hole, hopefully there will be a lot of opportunities to cash them in and get some points on the board.”
The Dodgers’ top four will feature Shohei Ohtani leading off, followed by Kyle Tucker in the two-hole and Betts batting third. Freeman settles in behind them as the cleanup hitter.
Freeman explained what he values about hitting fourth rather than third.
Last season, Freeman led the Dodgers with 291 plate appearances with runners on base. He had 161 plate appearances with runners in scoring position. The move to cleanup should create even more opportunities to produce in those situations throughout the year.
What the Top Four Means for Los Angeles
The Dodgers are running out four elite hitters at the top of their order. Ohtani is the reigning National League MVP. Tucker hit 22 home runs last season with the Cubs. Betts is a former MVP. Freeman won the 2024 World Series MVP.
That level of talent concentrated in the first four spots creates advantages throughout the entire lineup. Players like Teoscar Hernández, Max Muncy, and Tommy Edman will hit lower in the order despite being productive major league hitters.
Freeman’s role in the middle of that group is clear. Get on base when the top three don’t. Drive in runs when they do. Keep the line moving.
Sunday’s game showed how it works. Betts reached base in the first inning. Freeman doubled to drive him in. The top of the order created the opportunity. Freeman capitalized.
What’s Next for the Dodgers
The Dodgers are set to face the Colorado Rockies in their next game.
Spring training will see a temporary roster reduction as some Dodgers depart for the World Baseball Classic. Ohtani represents Japan alongside Yamamoto. Will Smith joins Team USA. Edwin Díaz plays for Puerto Rico. Hyeseong Kim suits up for Korea.
Mookie Betts will ramp up his playing time after making his debut Sunday. The lineup will continue taking shape when the WBC players return and the full roster reunites.
Los Angeles opens the regular season in late March. The order will be set. The pieces are in place.
Final Word for the Dodgers
Freeman made it official during his postgame interview on Sunday. He will bat cleanup for the Dodgers this season after spending most of last year hitting third.
The move gives him more opportunities to do what he does best. Drive in runs. Move runners into scoring position. Produce with traffic on the bases.
Los Angeles has assembled a top four in the lineup that few teams can match.
The order is set and new opportunities are there. Freeman is ready to cash them in 2026. The 4-spot is his.
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