The Los Angeles Dodgers are starting to solidify their 2026 Opening Day lineup after manager Dave Roberts offered clarity on the roles of Kyle Tucker and Freddie Freeman. Following an offseason dedicated to reshaping the offense, Roberts has signaled how he intends to structure the heart of the batting order with the season less than a month away.
Tucker, the marquee signing on a reported $240 million deal, has been hitting second in Cactus League games this week, while Freeman has shifted into the cleanup spot behind the team’s top three hitters.
Roberts‘ plan addresses one of the biggest lineup questions of the spring and reflects his priority of balancing run creation, with maximizing plate appearances for the team’s most productive bats.
“For the second time this week, Kyle Tucker is in the two-hole and Freddie Freeman is batting cleanup,” Jack Harris of the California Post wrote on X.com.
“Dave Roberts said that’s likely how he’ll slot them in the batting order for the regular season.”
Roberts, who has guided the Dodgers to three World Series titles, has consistently emphasized structure over experimentation as the season approaches.
The current projected top five reads: Shohei Ohtani, Kyle Tucker, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith.
Placing Tucker in the two-spot leverages his on-base skills while preserving Freeman‘s power potential in run-producing situations. It’s a configuration designed to create consistent offensive momentum throughout the lineup.
Roberts keen on lefties at the top
Roberts‘ recent comments suggest confidence in stacking left-handed hitters near the top of the order, with Tucker and Ohtani setting the table for Betts, Freeman, and Smith.
The decision shows how the Dodgers are thinking internally by allowing their best hitters frequent opportunities while maintaining flexibility for matchups.
Tucker‘s slot in the two-hole gives him more chances to reach base, potentially driving up run production for the middle of the order.
Meanwhile, Freeman remains a central run-producer, capable of delivering key hits with men on base.
The Dodgers have largely moved past experimentation this spring, shifting toward execution and defined roles.
The lineup adjustment also signals trust in Tucker to adapt quickly to the two-spot, while Freeman maintains his traditional cleanup responsibilities.
As Opening Day approaches, Roberts appears to be ready to settle on a consistent offensive identity that can serve as the backbone of the team’s attack.
The Dodgers settle on their offensive setup
The clarification comes after weeks of speculation regarding how the Dodgers would integrate their offseason acquisitions with the established core.
With Tucker and Freeman now locked into their respective roles, Roberts can focus on refining situational approaches and ensuring that the team enters the season with cohesion.
It’s a signal that Los Angeles is prepared to move beyond spring experimentation and begin the 2026 campaign with clear expectations for its stars.
If this configuration holds, the Dodgers will open the season with a structured offensive hierarchy designed to generate runs efficiently while minimizing uncertainty.
With Roberts‘ experience and the talent at the top of the order, Los Angeles appears poised to hit the ground running as Opening Day approaches, blending star power with strategic placement to maximize scoring opportunities.
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