Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that Ohtani (shoulder/elbow) will not pitch in Cactus League games this spring, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports. The announcement comes as little surprise, as the Dodgers don't yet have a date for Ohtani to resume throwing full bullpen sessions. While Ohtani is unlikely to join the Los Angeles rotation until May as he works his way back from right elbow surgery and left shoulder surgery, he's fully expected to serve as the team's designated hitter for its season-opening series against the Cubs in Tokyo on March 18 and 19.
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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that Ohtani (shoulder/elbow) will not pitch in Cactus League games this spring, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports. The announcement comes as little surprise, as the Dodgers don't yet have a date for Ohtani to resume throwing full bullpen sessions. While Ohtani is unlikely to join the Los Angeles rotation until May as he works his way back from right elbow surgery and left shoulder surgery, he's fully expected to serve as the team's designated hitter for its season-opening series against the Cubs in Tokyo on March 18 and 19.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that Kopech (forearm) is behind schedule in his throwing program and admitted that the right-hander could begin the season on the injured list, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports. Kopech experienced right forearm inflammation over the winter, and though Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes previously said in January that the 28-year-old wasn't on track to miss time to begin the season, the organization's stance on the matter has seemingly changed as spring training has gotten underway. On a positive note, Kopech hasn't been shut down from throwing, but it's unclear when he might be cleared to face hitters and eventually make his Cactus League debut. After being acquired from the White Sox in July, Kopech pitched to a 1.13 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 29:10 K:BB while going 6-for-6 in save chances over 24 innings for the Dodgers to close out the regular season, then struck out 10 batters while allowing three runs over nine postseason innings. Despite his dominant showing during his time with the Dodgers last season, Kopech's uncertain health in addition to the team's deep stable of capable high-leverage relievers renders him primarily an NL-only or deep mixed league consideration in 2025 fantasy drafts.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday on MLB Network that he expects Yamamoto to pitch during the March 18-19 series versus the Cubs in Tokyo. Roberts anticipates Yamamoto's countryman, Roki Sasaki, pitching during the two-game series, as well. Cubs manager Craig Counsell has said previously that Shota Imanaga will get the ball for one of the two contests, and it seems likely that he and Yamamoto will match up in the first game.
Phillips is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day due to the shoulder injury that kept him out of the 2024 World Series, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports. Phillips was originally held out of the World Series due to "arm fatigue," but it was revealed Tuesday that he suffered a tear in his rotator cuff during the NLCS. The 30-year-old reliever received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his shoulder in November and wasn't able to start a throwing program until January. It's unclear how far behind schedule Phillips is, but there's a growing chance he will begin the regular season on the injured list.
Stone (shoulder) was placed on the 60-day injured list by the Dodgers on Tuesday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports. Stone was already expected to miss the entirety of the 2025 season after undergoing right shoulder surgery in October, so his move to the 60-day IL was an expected one. The transaction cleared a spot for Enrique Hernandez to join the 40-man roster after the Dodgers and Hernandez officially agreed on a one-year, $6.5 million contract Tuesday.
Kershaw (toe) agreed to a contract with the Dodgers and is in camp Tuesday, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports. The 36-year-old declined his player option for 2025 in November, but it's always been the expectation that he would remain in Los Angeles. Kershaw underwent surgery on both his left knee and left toe during the offseason and still has to receive a physical exam before the deal is finalized. He doesn't have an official return timeline but isn't expected to be in game-ready shape by Opening Day.
Hernandez agreed to a one-year with the Dodgers on Sunday, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports. Hernandez will return to fill a super-utility role with the Dodgers, and it is unlikely he secures regular work on such a loaded roster. He slashed .229/.281/.373 with 12 home runs, 44 runs and 42 RBI in 393 plate appearances during the 2024 regular season and carries third base and outfield eligibility in most formats.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Scott will see the bulk of the save chances to begin the season, Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports. GM Brandon Gomes said after Scott signed in January that the left-hander won't be Los Angeles' set closer, but it appears Roberts still envisions Scott as the lead option for the ninth inning. Despite Scott's four-year, $72 million contract, it could be a fluid situation throughout the season with the Dodgers also having Kirby Yates, Michael Kopech (forearm) and Blake Treinen in the high-leverage mix.
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