GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to officially open Spring Training, with all position players reporting on Friday for their first full-squad workout on Saturday.
With all player contracts secured this offseason, it's time for Dave Roberts. The Dodgers have a record of 851-506 (.627) in nine years under Roberts and he has led the team to two World Series titles.
Roberts is entering the final season of a three-year contract he signed in March 2022. It is a priority for him to secure a new deal before the season begins, and he is "optimistic" that the Dodgers will finalize an extension before the end of spring. This extension has the potential to be record-breaking, especially following Craig Counsell's manager contract, which was a five-year, $40 million deal with the Cubs.
Andrew Friedman provided insight into the Dodgers' pitching strategy moving forward on Friday. He indicated that the team plans to stick with a conventional five-man rotation for the time being. This approach will remain in place until Shohei Ohtani makes his return to the rotation. Once Ohtani is back in action, Friedman stated that the Dodgers will transition to a six-man rotation to accommodate his presence and manage the workload of the pitchers effectively.
This decision shows the team's commitment to improving performance and player health as they aim to be the first team in 25 years to win consecutive World Series championships.
Ohtani plans to throw his first bullpen session this weekend. He has been practicing all his pitches on flat ground. While we can expect Ohtani to be out until sometime in May, it’s possible he could return earlier, depending on the progress of his throwing program.
The Dodgers have arguably assembled one of the best pitching rotations in history with their latest additions, Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki. Last season, they also added Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow, who will serve as the four starting pitchers for the team.
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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller (28) during a Spring Training workout at Camelback Ranch
Tony Gonsolin is likely to be the fifth starter when the season opens, as he enters the offseason fully healthy and not rehabbing from an injury. Bobby Miller started 13 games for the Dodgers, finishing with a 2-4 record and an 8.52 ERA, as he struggled for most of the season. Meanwhile, Dustin May did not pitch in 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Therefore, we can expect competition among Gonsolin, Miller, and May for the final spot in the rotation, as well as an opportunity for a place in the bullpen.
Roberts has a straightforward plan for the starting rotation, as he intends to start Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 1 and Roki Sasaki in Game 2 against the Cubs. The Dodgers will kick off the season in Tokyo on March 18, honoring Japan by featuring both of their homegrown stars on the mound during the MLB World Tour: Tokyo Series.
“I’m looking forward to it, to be able to pitch, perform at the Japanese ballpark again,” Yamamoto said through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda. “I’d like to get myself ready the best I can.”
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Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers Roki Sasak (left) and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto look on during a Spring Training workout at Camelback Ranch.
Another interesting piece to this pitching staff is Clayton Kershaw, as he expects to be on the 60-day IL to start the season. Kershaw signed a one-year deal worth $7.5 million to return for his 18th season with the Dodgers.
"I'm a Dodger," Kershaw said. "I'm so thankful for this organization. I don't think I put enough merit on it at times, at what it means to be able to be in one organization for your entire career.
He recently underwent surgery to repair a bone spur and a ruptured plantar plate in his left foot, but he is feeling much better now. Although many anticipated that Kershaw would retire after winning his second World Series, he is determined to write his own narrative and continue playing.
"Hopefully I can walk out on my own terms, whenever that is. But it just didn't feel like it was the right time, even though we won,” Kershaw said. “Being on the shelf for that wasn't the way that I had scripted it out. Still super thankful to be a part of it last year and get to see everything, but I want to be out there when it happens."
-544x306.jpg "Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) warms up during spring training camp.")
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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) warms up during spring training camp.
In analyzing the depth of the bullpen, it's important to acknowledge the challenges some key players are currently facing. Evan Phillips, who suffered a torn right rotator cuff last season, will not be available to start the season. Michael Kopech has been dealing with inflammation in his right forearm. Meanwhile, Brusdar Graterol has expressed that he feels like he has "a new arm" this spring after undergoing shoulder surgery last year to repair his labrum and ligaments.
Graterol, Kopech, and Phillips are unlikely to be active at the start of the season, but they should all be healthy by the All-Star break. Due to injuries and setbacks, the Dodgers have signed right-hander Luis Garcia to a minor league deal, which includes an invitation to Spring Training.
Garcia began the 2024 season with the Angels before being traded to the Red Sox at the deadline in exchange for four prospects. It is still uncertain whether Garcia will be utilized in the Red Sox's crowded pitching staff at the start of the season, so he may begin the year in Oklahoma City.
As pitcher and catchers reported earlier this week, Will Smith is dealing with an ankle injury and should not be serious but he is “a little behind,” Roberts said. Austin Barnes will take over his position if the injury prevents him from being ready to play in the team's first spring training game next Thursday, February 20. He will be supported by Hunter Feduccia, who made his major league debut last season with the Dodgers.