GLENDALE, Ariz. — Time flies throughout an abridged Spring Coaching.
The Dodgers break camp on March 11, after which they will depart for Japan, the place they open the common season towards the Cubs within the Tokyo Collection from March 18-19. A lot of the workforce’s roster spots are basically set, however there are query marks at second base, heart area and the bullpen.
Right here’s an up to date projection of how the 26-man roster may look come Opening Day:
Catcher (2): Will Smith, Austin BarnesThe Dodgers are working again this duo behind the plate. Smith is coping with a bone bruise on his left ankle that he sustained final June, however he expects to play by means of any lingering ache, simply as he did final season. He mentioned he principally feels the ankle whereas working, and it hasn’t affected him whereas swinging and catching.
First baseman (1): Freddie FreemanFreeman did not start working till Cactus League video games began, however he feels that his swing is in a great spot regardless of getting a late begin to recreation motion. Freeman reiterated that he expects to be prepared in time for Opening Day, although he must handle his surgically repaired proper ankle all through the primary half of the common season.
Second baseman (1): Tommy EdmanHyeseong Kim appeared to have a very good shot at seizing the job at second base, which was unsettled after the Dodgers traded Gavin Lux to the Reds within the offseason. Supervisor Dave Roberts has left open the likelihood that Kim begins the season within the Minors to proceed adjusting to dealing with larger velocities, which might possible imply Edman takes over at second base, the place he received a Gold Glove Award in 2021.
Shortstop (1): Mookie BettsBetts is slated to be the Dodgers’ Opening Day shortstop for the second yr in a row — however not like in 2024, he had your complete offseason to arrange for the change of place. The Dodgers have a number of choices able to stepping in ought to Betts battle making the transition, however the six-time Gold Glover in proper area is set to be elite at shortstop as effectively.
Third baseman (1): Max MuncyMuncy missed greater than three months with a proper indirect pressure in 2024, however he completed the championship run wholesome and may as soon as once more be the common on the scorching nook. Muncy has began on Opening Day in six consecutive seasons (2019-21 at first base, ’22-24 at third), the longest streak amongst energetic Dodgers.
Outfielders (3): Michael Conforto, Teoscar Hernández, Andy PagesPages confirmed promise in his rookie season, particularly towards left-handers, and has earned an extended look in 2025. He profiles higher in a nook, the place he may spell Conforto in left or Hernández in proper. But when Edman performs second base, then Pages would possibly see a good period of time in heart area.
Bench/Utility (3): Kiké Hernández, Miguel Rojas, Chris TaylorHernández and Taylor are each right-handed superutility choices able to enjoying each the infield and outfield. Rojas can again up Betts at shortstop and slot in elsewhere across the infield as wanted.
Two-way participant (1): Shohei OhtaniOhtani’s two-way participant standing implies that he will not rely towards the Dodgers’ 13-pitcher allotment, permitting the workforce to make use of a six-man rotation with out being an arm quick within the bullpen when he returns to the mound. The reigning NL MVP, who additionally had left shoulder surgical procedure in November, expects to be prepared for Opening Day as a hitter and hopes to pitch someday in Might.
Beginning Pitchers (5): Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, Tony GonsolinYamamoto and Sasaki are anticipated to start out within the Tokyo Collection, with Snell and Glasnow taking the ball within the Dodgers’ two exhibition video games on the Tokyo Dome. The frontrunners for the fifth spot are Gonsolin, Dustin Might and Bobby Miller. Gonsolin will get the nod right here for his observe report, however all three may realistically begin video games for the Dodgers in some unspecified time in the future this yr.
Aid Pitchers (8): Anthony Banda, Ben Casparius, Edgardo Henriquez, Dustin Might, Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia, Kirby YatesWith Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech anticipated to start the season on the injured listing, the door is open for whoever doesn’t win the fifth spot within the rotation to make the 26-man roster as a protracted reliever. The Dodgers have loads of high-leverage choices even with out Phillips and Kopech, and Scott will possible get the ball in most save conditions.