Dodgers make first round of spring cuts

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Dodgers had their first round of spring cuts Monday afternoon as they announced that they had optioned RHP Nick Frasso and reassigned RHPs Carlos Duran, Julian Fernandez, and Justin Jarvis, and OFs Ryan Ward, Justin Dean, Zyhir Hope and Josue De Paula to minor league camp.

The standouts from the bunch include right-hander Nick Frasso, who had a decent spring after missing all of 2024 with a shoulder injury, pitching in two Cactus League games, tossing two scoreless innings, and the two outfielders in Zyhir Hope and Josue De Paula. Hope displayed consistent power at the plate and agility in the outfield making a few great plays. Josue De Paula made the most out of his spring as he went 4-9 with 3 RBIs for his final statline. 

Some positions still need to be filled before finalizing a roster, most notably the second base position and centerfield. A few notable players fighting for that spot include top prospect Dalton Rushing, infielder Hyeseong Kim, and outfielder James Outman. Rushing is not fighting for a spot for either of those positions but just for a spot in general, and he has displayed every ounce of why he is the Dodger's top prospect. Rushing also looks to be the right-hand man and improve alongside current Dodgers catcher Will Smith. 

“From a catching perspective, my job is to step in and make Will’s job easier," Rushing said.

Outman has had an on-and-off spring, tallying a 4-17 stat line and a .235 average in that stretch, with strikeouts being his vendetta. Kim has been struggling at the plate this spring but has shown impressive defense. 

"I think that he can certainly win ballgames with his defense alone," Manager Dave Roberts said on Kim's defense.

With just eight more Cactus League games left to go, the Dodgers have 59 players left in big league camp and have to finalize their roster before traveling to Japan, so expect more cuts to keep coming as the days in Arizona move along.