Cody Snavely
The Dodgers have only three games left of Cactus League action before they go overseas to Korea and prepare for the March 20th Opening Day series vs the Padres.
However, in the past few days, we have seen dramatic changes, along with the next set of roster cuts, as the potential 26-man roster has become more apparent.
Dodgers make second round of roster cuts
After the Dodgers handed the Diamondbacks a dreadful defeat, winning 12-1, the Dodgers announced a flurry of roster cuts, bringing the roster to 41 players.
Optioned:
LHP Matt Gage
INF Andre Lipcius
Reassigned to MiLB camp:
RHP Kevin Gowdy
INF Trey Sweeney
INF Austin Gauthier
OF Drew Avans
OF Jose Ramos
OF Ryan Ward
With a little over a week for the Dodgers to decide their Opening Day roster, expect more moves to come in the coming days, along with an announcement of an Opening Day starter.
Mookie Betts Opening Day SS?
The biggest storyline to come out of Dodgers camp so far is the team pivoting away from Gavin Lux from the shortstop position.
Lux has struggled mightily defensively for the Dodgers this spring, posting a .800 fielding percentage, leading the Dodgers to make a change.
However, Lux is still a huge part of the Dodgers lineup, so the flip of Betts and Lux makes sense. In his career, Lux graded out as an above-average defender at second base in 2022 with 3 DRS and 3 OAA.
He was also an above-average bat, slashing .297/.373/.439 in 110 games before his neck injury. However, after a gruesome leg injury last spring, perhaps his days at SS for the Dodgers are over.
Mookie Betts has logged just 98 innings at shortstop in his MLB career. Now, with less than two weeks until Korea, he’s making his second position change of the spring.
As mentioned, during the MLB Winter Meetings, the Dodgers pegged Betts to be the team’s primary second basemen in December.
However, what is most intriguing about this whole situation was Dodgers manager Dave Roberts comments about the switch, stating it will be “permanent, for now.”
This sounds like Betts will not be the SS sometime in the future, and the trade rumors around Brewers Willy Adames have already intensified.
Are pitching injuries racking up already?
One of the most significant areas of concern for the Dodgers this season is pitchers’ health in the rotation and the bullpen.
However, the Dodgers already have a few arms that will not be ready for the Opening Series in Korea.
Dave Roberts announced on Saturday that young Dodgers right-handed pitcher Emmet Sheehan will start the season on the IL.
The 2023 season was the most innings Sheehan has thrown in his professional career, totaling up to 123.1 innings between the minors and MLB, along with an extra 22 innings in the Arizona Fall League.
The Dodgers’ decision to delay the young starter’s start is understandable, given the mileage he put on his arm last season.
However, Dodgers right-handed relief pitcher Brusdar Graterol was announced yesterday as another arm who won’t be ready for the Korea Series.
Graterol had a career year for the Dodgers in 2023, posting a 1.20 ERA in 67.1 innings. However, entering this spring, he was limited to one appearance but complained of hip tightness.
While Graterol will miss the start of the season for the two-game series in Korea, he anticipates being ready for the domestic Opening Day at Dodgers Stadium against the Cardinals.
The last arm that is up in the air is Blake Treinen, who is trying to work his way back into the Dodgers bullpen after missing nearly two full seasons due to a shoulder injury.
Treinen has looked terrific this spring and would be a massive boost to a Dodgers bullpen that was already one of the deepest in baseball. However, after a comebacker hit Treinen in the ribs, his status for Korea is in doubt.
Blake Treinen’s x-rays showed no fracture in his ribs. According to Dave Roberts, he has a right lung contusion, who also stated that the plan is for Treinen to play catch tomorrow and throw a bullpen Wednesday. If that all goes well, Roberts is “hopeful” Treinen will be available for Korea.
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
