Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
It took a while, but the Dodgers finally made some roster cuts, which paves the way for an Opening Day roster prediction from yours truly. Let’s break it down.
Optioned
No surprises here. Guys like Jackson and Vesia showed well in spring, but they were always destined for the minors — at least to start the season. And Ruiz figures to see Los Angeles at some point this season because catching is a hard position.
Reassigned
- Jacob Amaya
- Michael Busch
- Omar Estevez
- Hunter Feduccia
- Josiah Gray
- Michael Grove
- Kody Hoese
- Landon Knack
- Nolan Long
- Devin Mann
- Jose Martinez
- Bobby Miller
- Ryan Noda
- Robinson Ortiz
- James Outman
- Andy Pages
- Ryan Pepiot
- Leonel Valera
- Miguel Vargas
- Gus Varland
- Kendall Williams
Again, no surprises here. None of these guys were really a threat to crack the OD roster. But most of them will be guys to follow this season.
Here are the non-roster invitees remaining in camp:
- Stevie Berman
- Andy Burns
- Matt Davidson
- Tim Federowicz
- Mike Kickham
- Brandon Morrow
- Jimmy Nelson
- James Pazos
- Rangel Ravelo
- Nick Robertson
- Enny Romero
- Elliot Soto
The most surprising non-cut, to me, is Robertson. He skyrockted up prospect lists this winter and has a real chance of making it to LA this season. Morrow isn’t near ready and will eventually be reassigned, but he could be a nice midseason addition. The most impressive has been Nelson, who is vying for a spot on in the OD bullpen.
Opening Day Roster Prediction
Rotation (5)
Clayton Kershaw
Walker Buehler
Trevor Bauer
David Price
Julio Urias
Bullpen (8)
Garrett Cleavinger
Tony Gonsolin
Victor Gonzalez
Kenley Jansen
Corey Knebel
Dustin May
Jimmy Nelson
Blake Treinen
Catchers (2)
Austin Barnes
Will Smith
Infielders (6)
Gavin Lux
Max Muncy
Sheldon Neuse
Edwin Rios
Corey Seager
Justin Turner
Outfielders (3)
Cody Bellinger
Mookie Betts
AJ Pollock
Infielder/Outfielder (2)
Zach McKinstry
Chris Taylor
Injured List (2)
Brusdar Graterol
Joe Kelly
Graterol and Kelly sound doubtful for Opening Day, so Nelson is one of the beneficiaries of those injuries. Cleavinger, who has been awfully impressive this spring, wins out over Scott Alexander, who has one option remaining. Dennis Santana made a valiant effort, but since he has options and Nelson would be exposed to the waiver wire, and the Dodgers don’t want to lose him for nothing.
Neuse gets the nod over Beaty mostly because he hits right-handed, but he’s also a shiny new toy and fills a bigger need as a multi-position infielder. McKinstry will attempt to fill the Enrique Hernandez role, while Rios will need his big stick to make up for the loss of Joc Pederson.
——
There is just an embarrassment of talent on this roster. You could almost split the team in half and have two very competitive groups. Andrew Friedman and Co. have done a great job and this team will be ready to defend its World Series title.
