Utley in leadoff spot is a winner

SAN DIEGO — 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 had 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 sixtime 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.”

Kendrick and Grandal are on track to return

Roberts repeated his hope that Kendrick and catcher Yasmani Grandal could rejoin the Dodgers by the home opener April 12.

Grandal ( forearm inf lammation) 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.

Ryu is ready to throw batting practice

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 live batting practice Thursday or Friday.

Jansen is accidentally roughed up by Howell

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.