Andre Ethier appears as Dodgers’ leadoff hitter against Colorado

Dodgers 7, Colorado 3

AT THE PLATE: With Chad Bettis, a right-handed pitcher, on the mound for the Rockies, Dave Roberts trotted out a new leadoff hitter: Andre Ethier. Ethier will turn 34 next month, has limited speed and has led off only seven times in his 10-year career. But the Dodgers may use him in the role during the season, because against right-handers, “he gets on base,” Roberts said. Ethier has a .383 on-base percentage against right-handers in his career. He led off the first inning with a walk and came around to score. He singled in the third inning.

ON THE MOUND: After three strong innings, Zach Lee wobbled in the fourth. He gave up a double to Gerardo Parra and a run-scoring single to Nolan Arenado. Lee departed with no outs in the inning after giving up three hits and a walk on the day. He remains in the mix for the fifth spot in the Dodgers’ rotation. “Obviously, it builds a little bit of confidence in me,” Lee said. “I’m happy to keep going and getting opportunities. I just kind of relish each one they give me.”

EXTRA BASES: Dodgers minor league pitcher Adrian Salcedo was suspended 144 games after testing positive for a metabolite of Boldenone, an anabolic steroid. It was Salcedo’s third drug suspension in the past 11 months. … Carl Crawford is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday after receiving several days off to rest his sore back, Roberts said. Crawford last played on Saturday.

UP NEXT: Royals on Thursday, 1:05 p.m. at Camelback Ranch. On the air: Radio: 570.