With Matt Kemp batting in front of him and presumably reaching base 35% to 40% of the time, Andre Ethier figures to see a significant number of hittable pitches this season.

Ethier, in turn, thinks Kemp could benefit from his presence in the cleanup spot .

"I'm hoping he's not going to be walked too much because if I'm doing my part, they'll go after him," Ethier said. "I won't say they'll challenge him fully, but it's a thing where if the 3-4 guys are going, it's tough to choose your battles."