Dodgers Shake Up Lineup Against Padres: Will Smith And Hyeseong Kim Sit As Michael Conforto Steps In Amid Roster Adjustments For Petco Showdown Today
The Dodgers announced a notably adjusted batting order for this evening’s contest against San Diego. Holding a strong 40–27 record, the Dodgers are showing both flexibility and intent in their lineup decisions ahead of tonight’s first pitch at 9:40 PM PT. The key changes: two regular starters—All‑Star catcher Will Smith and emerging outfielder Hyeseong Kim—are out of the lineup, while left‑handed slugger Michael Conforto returns, slotting into left field and the cleanup spot behind Freddie Freeman.
Why Are Will Smith and Hyeseong Kim Out?
Will Smith is benched tonight, marking a rare absence for a player who has started nearly every game behind the plate. His season statistics through June 8 show a solid .263 batting average, 116 RBIs, and 20 homers—earning him another All‑Star nod . Manager Dave Roberts hasn’t cited injury, instead pushing for lineup versatility in a tough divisional battle. The Dodgers may be looking to overload offensively, clearer in tonight’s positioning of Conforto.
Hyeseong Kim, a promising young outfielder signed in January to a three‑year, $12.5 million contract , has played in center field early this season. With a contact‑driven approach and growing confidence, Kim’s removal from the nine‑man lineup likely serves as a strategic move to balance handedness and defensive matchups, especially in a park like Petco where the breeze and spacious outfield favor lineups with more power.
Michael Conforto’s Return to the Spotlight
Michael Conforto rejoined the Dodgers this past December on a one‑year, $17 million deal and has had an up‑and‑down first half. Though limited in at‑bats compared to everyday guys, he brings left‑handed power, patience, and postseason experience. Conforto hits cleanup tonight—directly behind Freddie Freeman—indicating confidence from the coaching staff in delivering middle‑order production.
His presence forces the Padres to navigate a potent left‑center duo, a tactical matchup against San Diego starter Dylan Cease. Cease, who stumbled in earlier outings but pitched seven shutout innings Tuesday, has a 90 strikeouts mark and a 4.46 ERA. Dodgers aim to neutralize him with lineup variety and left vs. right balance, hoping Conforto sparks offense where Smith and Kim aren’t appearing.
Complete Projected Dodgers Lineup
Based on today’s official roster release:
- Shohei Ohtani (DH, L)
- Mookie Betts (SS, R)
- Freddie Freeman (1B, L)
- Michael Conforto (LF, L)
- Max Muncy (3B, L)
- Teoscar Hernández (RF, R)
- Andy Pages (CF, R) – but with Tommy Edman likely playing utility role
- Tommy Edman (2B, S)
- Pitcher spot (since bullpen game, likely role)
- Catcher: A backup like Will Smith’s replacement, potentially Austin Barnes or another backup.
This lineup emphasizes left‑right mix and power threats in the third through fifth slots. Roberts also continues to employ bullpen‑first strategies, with opener Lou Trivino and long relief options in place .
The Padres Opposition and Game Context
San Diego counters with Dylan Cease on the mound, aiming to rebound from a rare dominant outing this past Tuesday. The Padres offense has been clicking—16-hit nights, multi-RBI efforts by Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts, and solid contributions from Luis Arraez . Petco thrives in tight low-scoring duels, but a high-rise scoring inning could tip the scales.
For the Dodgers, this game fits into a broader pattern of bullpen games and creative lineup mixes—making the most of offense and keeping rotations rested. Tonight’s decision to bench Smith and Kim may foreshadow further situational benching—perhaps reserving their bats or targeting matchups mid-series.
Broader Implications: What This Means for the Season
- Depth & Versatility Stress-Tested
The Dodgers’ depth has kept them afloat despite injuries and slumps. Sitting Smith and Kim—both frequent starters—is a bold decision that uses the bench aggressively. Seeing how Conforto fares will test roster resilience. - Matchup Strategy vs. Cease
Cease thrives on missing bats. The Dodgers counter with their best left-handed power—Freeman, Conforto and Muncy—keen to pressure him early. - Health & Rest Considerations
Smith and Kim may simply be on a scheduled rest. Long seasons and defensive play take a toll, especially on catchers. Additionally, rotating in outfielders can keep legs fresh for the long haul. - Future Trends
If Conforto delivers, he could earn a longer leash and greater lineup presence, complicating Kim’s rotation appearances. Smith, though durable, will miss valuable reps—presenting backup Barnes and others an opportunity.
Recap: What to Watch Tonight
- Conforto’s debut: Does he earn a new threat designation in the lineup? A night with power or patience against Cease changes the dynamic.
- Pedro positional moves: How Roberts juggles in-game defense—will Edman slide to CF, will a late Smith appearance arise?
- Bullpen pitchers: With opener and long relief in tow, can a steady bullpen preserve a close contest?
Looking Ahead
Regardless of tonight’s outcome, how the Dodgers handle lineup rotation and bullpen strategy will signal their sustainability through the rigors of late June. A win or loss tonight may not define the season, but the lessons learned—bench reinforcement, rookie rest, veterans stepping up—will shape approaches across the standings race.
Expect Smith and Kim to return soon; this is likely a calculated pause, not a demotion. The key takeaway: Roberts is willing to shift big pieces in high-stakes games, banking on depth rather than letting regulars wear down or chase fatigue.
Tonight’s lineup swap is emblematic of the Dodgers’ commitment to flexibility and matchup-based ball, even in high-stakes divisional play. With Conforto back and two stalwarts on the bench, the team still fields a proven, powerful core. Petco’s pitcher-friendly dimensions make timely offense a premium—Conforto is the variable tasked with unlocking Cease early.
Keep an eye on bullpen performance, pinch-hitting patterns, and defensive alignments throughout the game. These “small-ball” decisions speak volumes about how the Dodgers plan to tilt games and inch through the standings.
In short: game-changing bench decisions, potential offensive spark, and a strategic roadmap of depth versus fatigue—it’s a night the Dodgers intend to win through flexibility as much as firepower. Let’s see if Conforto’s return fuels a resurgence and recharges the lineup for a key divisional win.
