Freeway Series is just a short stop

DODGERS

Where’s Manny?

Yes, Manny Ramirez will be playing tonight. Asked Wednesday if he thought the fans at Dodger Stadium would give him the same warm reception they did last season, Ramirez said simply, “I hope so.”

On the mound

San Fernando Valley native Randy Wolf is back for his second go-around with the Dodgers and will enter the season as their No. 2 starter. The left-hander has made five starts this spring and is 3-2 with a 4.87 ERA. Closer Jonathan Broxton is also expected to pitch.

Familiar faces

Manager Joe Torre wants all of his regulars to play at least seven innings and that includes Ramirez. The only projected opening-day starter who might sit tonight is flu-stricken catcher Russell Martin.

Who needs to shine

Playing time for the backups could be sparse, but reserve infielder candidates Chin-lung Hu, Blake DeWitt, Doug Mientkiewicz and Juan Castro will have to make the most of whatever playing time they get. Hu and DeWitt have an edge because they’re on the 40-man roster; Mientkiewicz and Castro have experience in their favor.

What to watch for

Dodgers fans will get their first glimpse of Orlando Hudson as their team’s starting second baseman. Hudson, who played for division rival Arizona over the last three years, has won three Gold Gloves and made spectacular plays with regularity in the Cactus League.

-- Dylan Hernandez

ANGELS

Where’s Vladdy?

In right field, a relief to the Angels. Vladimir Guerrero, relegated to DH in 44 of his 143 games last season, had surgery on his right knee in October and didn’t make his exhibition debut until March 20. But he played seven innings in the field in a game this week and appears sound.

On the mound

Dustin Moseley, the Angels’ best pitcher this spring, is scheduled to start tonight. The right-hander went 3-0 with a 3.15 ERA in six exhibition games, striking out 15 and walking five in 20 innings.

Familiar faces

Many regulars left Arizona a day early to get settled in Southern California, and all of them -- Chone Figgins, Howie Kendrick, Bobby Abreu, Guerrero, Torii Hunter, Juan Rivera and Jeff Mathis -- are expected to start tonight.

Who needs to shine

New closer Brian Fuentes is scheduled to pitch tonight. There is no pressure on the left-hander -- he’s not battling for a job -- but a 1-2-3 inning would give him some momentum entering the season. Fuentes has battled back problems this spring and had a 9.53 ERA in 6 2/3 Cactus League innings.

What to watch for

On the right sleeve of the Angels’ jerseys will be a black patch in the shape of a diamond with the name “PRESTON” inscribed. The patches honor Preston Gomez, the team’s beloved longtime front-office executive, scout and coach who died in January.

-- Mike DiGiovanna