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After another early postseason exit last year, the Los Angeles Dodgers have a new manager in place with Dave Roberts taking over for Don Mattingly. When the Dodgers take the field Apr. 4 against the San Diego Padres, here’s what the lineup should look like.
1. 2B Howie Kendrick
Credit: Getty Images1. 2B Howie Kendrick
The Dodgers used 12 hitters in the leadoff spot last year, and Roberts has said he won't have a set leadoff hitter. Kendrick is as good a candidate as anyone else, so he he gets the Opening Day nod.
2. LF Carl Crawford
Credit: Getty Images2. LF Carl Crawford
Andre Ethier will be sidelined 10-14 weeks with a fractured right tibia, which sets up a left field platoon of Crawford and Scott Van Slyke for the Dodgers early in the season. With right-hander Tyson Ross likely on the bump for the Padres on Opening Day, Crawford fills the No. 2 spot in the order.
3. 1B Adrian Gonzalez
Credit: Getty Images3. 1B Adrian Gonzalez
Approaching 34 years old, Gonzalez keeps going in terms of production (28 home runs and 90 RBIs last season) and durability (at least 156 games played in 10 straight seasons). He is the Dodgers' best hitter, so Gonzalez belongs in the three-hole.
4. 3B Justin Turner
Credit: Getty Images4. 3B Justin Turner
Turner had a nice 2015 season (.294, 16 home runs and 60 RBIs over 385 at-bats). Durability is a concern, including his recovery microfracture knee surgery last October, but Turner is on track for Opening Day and should fill the cleanup spot.
5. RF Yasiel Puig
Credit: Ezra Shaw Getty Images5. RF Yasiel Puig
Puig's 2015 was wrecked by leg issues, and he reportedly lost weight during the offseason. The talent he showed during his 2013 breakout debut is still there at age 25, and Puig will the Dodgers' most important player this year.
6. SS Corey Seager
Credit: Harry How Getty Images6. SS Corey Seager
Seager has been bothered by a left knee issue recently, but his status for Opening Day doesn't seem to be in doubt. As long as that remains the case, the No. 6 spot should be good for the early front-runner to win National League Rookie of the Year on Opening Day.
7. CF Joc Pederson
Credit: Getty Images7. CF Joc Pederson
Pederson's 2015 season featured a fast start (20 home runs before the All-Star break) and a late fade (.178 with six home runs after that) that led to reduced playing time down the stretch. Roberts has anointed Pederson as the Dodgers' center fielder, but he'll have to earn a better spot in the lineup.
8. C A.J. Ellis
Credit: Getty Images8. C A.J. Ellis
Roberts has dismissed the notion of Ellis as Clayton Kershaw's personal catcher this season, but Yasmani Grandal's ongoing right forearm issue looks likely to force the veteran catcher into the Opening Day lineup.
9. P Clayton Kershaw
Credit: Christian Petersen Getty Images9. P Clayton Kershaw
Kershaw will be the Dodgers' Opening Day starter, so he rounds out the batting order.
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