Dodgers get excellent results with Chase Utley in leadoff spot

Reporting from SAN DIEGO â€”  The text message from manager to purported leadoff hitter reached Chase Utley on Sunday night. Dave Roberts wanted to inform the 37-year-old veteran of his assignment for the start of the season. At least against right-handed pitchers, Utley will bat first.

The early returns were excellent for the Dodgers in a 15-0 victory over the San Diego Padres in the season opener. Utley recorded three hits, drove in two runs and scored one. He downplayed the significance of his placement in the order.

“For me, the only difference is you’re the first batter of the game,� he said. “You’re still trying to put good at-bats together no matter where you’re hitting in the lineup.�

Utley, 37, is the oldest member of the Dodgers. Monday marked the 1,586th game of his career. It was only the 12th time he had batted in the No. 1 spot.

The Dodgers turned to Utley after Andre Ethier broke a leg in March. The team chose Utley over Carl Crawford, who batted sixth.

The team had intended to use Howie Kendrick, who is on the disabled list, as its primary second baseman. But Dodgers officials continue to believe Utley, a six-time All-Star in Philadelphia, can still be a capable hitter against right-handed pitchers.

“For me, it’s just to get him the extra at-bats,� Roberts said. “Sometimes you get a guy on second base with two outs. He’s been a guy who’s driven in runs. So I feel comfortable with him in that spot. Ultimately, I trust the at-bats, and I trust that he can get on base.�

Yasmani Grandal and Kendrick are on track to return

Roberts repeated his hope that Kendrick and catcher Yasmani Grandal will be ready to rejoin the Dodgers by the home opener April 12.

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Dodgers infielder Chase Utley is tagged out by Padres catcher Derek Norris while trying to score on a Justin Turner hit in the third inning.

  (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune)

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The San Diego Padres listen to the national anthem before a opening day game against the Dodgers at Petco Park.

  (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune)

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San Diego Padres manager Andy Green takes the field before an opening day game against the Dodgers at Petco Park.

  (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune)

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Dodgers left-handed starter Clayton Kershaw pitches against the Padres on opening day at Petco Park.

  (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune)

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Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig scores on an error after hitting a triple in the eighth inning against the Padres.

  (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune)

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Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez scores on a Trayce Thompson double in the seventh inning against the Padres.

  (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune)

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Dodgers outfiedler Yasiel Puig hits a triple, and then scored on an error in the eighth inning against the Padres.

  (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune)

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Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley fields an infield ground ball to throw out Padres Jon Jay in the 6th inning.

  (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune)

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Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez hugs Manager Dave Roberts before an opening day game agaisnt the Padres at Petco Park.

  (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune)

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Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson scores on an A.J. Ellis hit in the sixth inning against the Padres.

  (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Grandal (forearm inflammation) has been able to play in minor league games at the team’s complex in Phoenix. The Dodgers are being cautious with him rather than risking his injury flaring up when he is not ready to return.

Kendrick (calf tightness) may require extra time to recover. He has not been cleared to play in a game. Roberts indicated Kendrick would take part in live batting practice by Tuesday or soon after.

Hyun-Jin Ryu is ready to face hitters

Hyun-Jin Ryu (shoulder surgery) stayed in Arizona when the team broke camp and is slowly making progress in building arm strength. Roberts said Ryu was scheduled to throw a session of live batting practice Thursday or Friday.

Kenley Jansen is accidentally roughed up

Kenley Jansen sported a butterfly bandage under his left eye after the game, courtesy of a pregame mishap with fellow reliever J.P. Howell. Howell hit Jansen in the face with an errant throw during batting practice.