Padres vs. Dodgers Cactus League Opener: How to Watch, Predictions and More
The San Diego Padres host the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Cactus League opener on Thursday afternoon. Manager Mike Shildt isn't holding back: the Padres' starting lineup features six projected starters.
Joe Musgrove has been tabbed for the start while the new middle infield of Ha-Seong Kim at shortstop and Xander Bogaerts at second base will make its debut.
Fernando Tatis Jr. will lead off and play right. Jake Cronenworth starts at first and Jackson Merrill gets the nod in left.
Center field and left field are still an open competition, while third base belongs to Manny Machado — once he's healed from right elbow surgery last October to repair a torn extensor tendon. If he isn't the Padres' Opening Day third baseman, Machado is expected to be in the lineup at DH. Eguy Rosario starts at the hot corner today.
The first pitch is scheduled for 12:10 PT from the Peoria Sports Complex.
How to Watch
Padres fans will be able to stream all 25 Spring Training games on Padres.TV but Thursday's opener will also be broadcast on ESPN for out-of-market fans.
The radio broadcast is on KWFN 97.3.
Predictions
It's only spring training, but the Padres are wanting to make a statement early against their division foe.
Expect the starters to get a couple of innings of work before giving way to backups and minor-league players looking to earn a roster spot.
It is still very early in camp, with both teams only having a few days of live hitting under their belt. This will most likely be a low-scoring affair.
The Padres might pull this one out by a score of 4-2.
More
The Padres are without Jurickson Profar, who is still in Curacao awaiting his visa. Wandy Peralta has also been delayed due to visa issues.
Neither could begin the visa process until their contracts were signed, which happened earlier this month.
They are hoping to begin the season on time.
