Mookie Betts returns to the Dodgers' lineup for their game against the Giants after being reinstated. The Dodgers aim to improve their struggling offense with his presence.
Key points
Mookie Betts reinstated to Dodgers' lineup
Dodgers face San Francisco Giants
Team has struggled offensively recently
Scored three runs or fewer in last three games
Lost last game 7-2 to Atlanta Braves
Los Angeles DodgersSan Francisco GiantsAtlanta BravesMookie Betts
Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) throws to first for the out against Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias (13) during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) throws to first for the out against Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias (13) during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Dodgers have struggled for offense over the past several weeks, and will hope Betts can provide a boost to their lineup amid their team-wide slump. LA scored three runs or fewer in each of their three games against the Atlanta Braves in their last series, and only won one of them.
In the series finale on Sunday, they recorded just two hits in a 7-2 loss.
Q&A
Why did Mookie Betts return to the Dodgers' lineup?
Mookie Betts returned to provide a much-needed boost to the Dodgers' struggling offense.
How has the Dodgers' offense performed recently?
The Dodgers have struggled offensively, scoring three runs or fewer in their last three games against the Braves.
Who are the Dodgers playing when Mookie Betts returns?
The Dodgers are playing the San Francisco Giants in the series opener when Mookie Betts returns.
What was the outcome of the Dodgers' last game before Betts' return?
In their last game, the Dodgers recorded only two hits and lost 7-2 to the Atlanta Braves.
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Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) throws to first for the out against Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias (13) during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) throws to first for the out against Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias (13) during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Who Is Pitching for the Dodgers?
Roki Sasaki will take the mound for the Dodgers, and the right-hander is surely ready to go after getting some extra rest. The Dodgers listed Sasaki as their probable pitcher for Saturdayâs game, but moved him to a Monday start and gave Blake Snell the start instead after his return from the injured list.
The rest will hopefully do Sasaki well, as he has struggled through his first handful of starts in 2026. He has a 5.97 ERA after six appearances, striking out 26 batters in 28.2 innings pitched.
He has been strong through the first couple of innings of his starts, but tends to run into trouble during his second time through the order. Only one of his 19 earned runs this season has come in the first two innings of a ballgame.
Who is in the Dodgersâ Lineup?
Shohei Ohtani will lead off for the Dodgers as their designated hitter and look to break out of the slump heâs been riding, and Betts will bat second in his return to the lineup. First baseman Freddie Freeman makes room for Betts and moves down to the three hole, while right fielder Kyle Tucker bats in the cleanup spot.
Catcher Will Smith drops down the lineup to fifth with Betts back in the lineup, and third baseman Max Muncy will bat sixth. Center fielder Andy Pages bats seventh for the Dodgers, followed by left fielder Teoscar Hernandez and second baseman Hyseong Kim.
Right-hander Trevor McDonald will start for the Giants, making his second start of the season for San Francisco.
He began the season in the minors for the Giants, but came up May 4 for a start against the San Diego Padres, where he threw seven innings of one-run baseball and allowed just two hits. The 25-year-old ranks as their No. 16 prospect, and will look to further solidify himself in their rotation.
The first game of the three-game series begins Monday at 7:10 p.m. PT.
