GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Shortstop Corey Seager will play in his first Major League game this spring on Wednesday night against the Cubs in Mesa, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Monday.

In what figures to be his last Minor League appearance, Seager played seven innings of defense on Monday and actually fielded one ground ball. He also singled.

“Sitting there like, got to come eventually,” said Seager, who had gone almost three games since his only other ground ball. “Caught me off guard.”

Seager said he feels he’s passed the rehab stage from elbow and hip operations and now is in Spring Training mode, trying to refine his timing at the plate and build up innings in the field.

On Sunday, Roberts said Seager would “absolutely” start at shortstop on Opening Day.

Stripling tapped for rotation

In Monday night’s 3-1 loss to the Rangers, Ross Stripling started and went 4 2/3 innings, charged with both fifth-inning runs. Third baseman Justin Turner went 3-for-3 and is hitting .483. Brad Miller homered.

Roberts said Stripling will open the season in the starting rotation because of Clayton Kershaw’s injury. Stripling said his final tuneup for the season will be Sunday against the Angels.

Stripling said he was pleased with his entire repertoire against the Rangers and he threw an extra inning in the bullpen after being removed so the Dodgers could get a look at left-handed reliever Donnie Hart, who allowed an RBI flare single to left-handed hitter Rougned Odor.

• Miller is presenting management with a tough decision, because he has an opt-out in his contract at the end of Spring Training if he is not on the big league roster for Opening Day. He’s versatile, finally healthy and has a 30-homer season on the resume, but there is no obvious spot available if the Dodgers keep Alex Verdugo and it’s unlikely he would accept a Minor League assignment.

“He’s done everything he can do to make our decision as tough as possible,” said Roberts. “His versatility defensively, his ability to take an at-bat coming off the bench. He’s been there and done that. It’s a good thing that he’s made it a little more muddy for us.”

Worth noting

• Right-handed reliever Jaime Schultz was optioned to Minor League camp, leaving 37 players in the big league clubhouse.

• First baseman Max Muncy returned to the lineup Monday night after missing four games with a stiff right forearm and wrist.

• Reliever Yimi Garcia is due back in camp on Tuesday after missing two days attending to a family matter in the Dominican Republic.

• Former Dodgers pitcher J.P. Howell was a camp visitor. Just a guess, but as a former Dodgers and Rays pitcher, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him join Andrew Friedman’s organization.

• Roberts, who left Sunday’s game at the start feeling ill, returned on Monday.

• Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd., is now the Official Solar Partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a multiyear partnership. As part of this partnership, Hanwha Q CELLS will have permanent signage at Dodger Stadium near the left-field foul pole, will sponsor the Clayton Kershaw bobblehead on June 18 (7:10 p.m. PT vs. the Giants) and will present a monthly award and campaign, where a worthy Dodger will be recognized for their energetic play and have $1,000 donated to the charity of his choice.

Up next

Walker Buehler, slowed by shoulder discomfort, makes his first start of this spring at 7:05 p.m. PT on Tuesday night against the Indians at Camelback Ranch. He is expected to go three innings or 45 pitches.