The Los Angeles Dodgers are getting a major boost as superstar shortstop Mookie Betts returns to the lineup for Monday's series opener against the San Francisco Giants. After being reinstated, Betts is set to bring some much-needed firepower to a Dodgers offense that has been struggling to find its rhythm in recent weeks.

Los Angeles has been mired in a team-wide slump, scoring three runs or fewer in each of their three games against the Atlanta Braves in their last series. The low point came on Sunday, when they managed just two hits in a disappointing 7-2 loss. With Betts back in the mix, the Dodgers are hoping to reignite their offensive production and get back on track.

Taking the mound for Los Angeles is right-hander Roki Sasaki, who has had an extra dose of rest after being pushed back from a Saturday start to Monday. The move was made to accommodate Blake Snell's return from the injured list, and Sasaki will be looking to use that extra time to his advantage. So far in 2026, Sasaki has struggled through his first six appearances, posting a 5.97 ERA with 26 strikeouts over 28.2 innings. Interestingly, he has been sharp early in games—only one of his 19 earned runs has come in the first two innings—but tends to lose his command the second time through the order.

The Dodgers' lineup is stacked for this pivotal matchup. Shohei Ohtani leads off as the designated hitter, hoping to snap out of his own slump, while Betts slots in at second in his return. That shift moves Freddie Freeman down to the third spot, with Kyle Tucker cleaning up in the four-hole. Catcher Will Smith drops to fifth, followed by Max Muncy at sixth, Andy Pages in center field at seventh, Teoscar Hernandez in left field at eighth, and Hyseong Kim at second base batting ninth.

For the Giants, right-hander Trevor McDonald gets the start—his second of the season—as San Francisco looks to play spoiler in this NL West showdown. With Betts back and Sasaki rested, Monday's game promises to be a thrilling contest between two fierce rivals.