2019 Los Angeles Dodgers Starting Lineup Predictions

Justin Turner and Corey Seager are likely the only locks at third and shortstop. With Max Muncy struggling to find his groove this spring, I expect the Dodgers to start the season platooning him and David Freese at first base depending on the opposing pitcher.

Second base and catcher will be the big questions of the infield though.

Austin Barnes has really come into Spring Training like a man on a mission, he is hitting .323 with 2 HRs, 3 doubles, and 12 RBIs. I fully expect him to make the majority of the starts behind the plate. Barring an offensive collapse by Barnes, I think Russell Martin will mostly be utilized to give Barnes some added days off as this will be his first season serving as the primary catcher.

Following in his “dad’s” (Chase Utley’s) footsteps, the majority of starts at second base will be made by Kiké Hernández. Chris Taylor has struggled mightily this Spring to find his timing and eye at the plate.  Meanwhile, Kiké has shown great offensive consistency this Spring. That combined with his middle infield defensive skills, the Dodgers are going to see what he can do as an everyday second baseman.  Look for Chris Taylor to give rest to Seager and Kiké rest days.

Infield Wildcard: Chris Taylor

As far as the infield goes, Chris Taylor is the wildcard right now. Defensively he is very sound in both the infield and outfield (remember that NLCS Game 7 catch), but offensively he looks a bit lost so far this Spring.  In 40 plate appearances this Spring, Taylor has struck out over a third of the time and is batting just .184 with a .225 OBP. Between him and Kiké, both batting from the right side and Kiké seeing the ball so well, it’s hard to imagine Taylor playing over Kiké in the infield to start the 2019 season.