Dodgers begin World Series title defense with punishing lineup

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ quest to win back-to-back World Series titles begins now.

Coming off their first World Series championship in well over a generation, the Los Angeles Dodgers boast one of the most formidable lineups in all of baseball.

Even in a COVID-shortened 2020 MLB season, the Dodgers proved to everyone they were indeed the best team in baseball. They had the best record in the league, defeating the Milwaukee Brewers, the San Diego Padres, the Atlanta Braves and the Tampa Bay Rays in succession to win their first World Series title since 1988. Here is their Opening Day lineup vs. the Colorado Rockies.

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Opening Day lineup

1. RF Mookie Betts
2. SS Corey Seager
3. 3B Justin Turner
4. CF Cody Bellinger
5. 1B Max Muncy
6. LF Chris Taylor
7. 2B Gavin Lux
8. C Austin Barnes
9. SP Clayton Kershaw

Leading off for the Dodgers is their best player in right fielder Mookie Betts. World Series MVP Corey Seager will bat second and play shortstop. Third baseman Justin Turner will hit third. Former NL MVP Cody Bellinger will bat cleanup and man centerfield, while first baseman Max Muncy will bat fifth and left fielder Chris Taylor will hit sixth to round out the middle of the Dodgers’ order.

Second baseman Gavin Lux will bat seventh, followed up by catcher Austin Barnes hitting eighth. Because the National League has not adopted the designated hitter, left-hander Clayton Kershaw will get the Opening Day start and bat ninth. Los Angeles is the presumptive favorite to repeat this year, but they will face tough competition all season long, getting everyone’s best effort as well.

The Dodgers have enough talent to win the World Series in back-to-back years with this roster.