Dodgers cut 9 players as roster trimming starts, Stone & Vargas continue to impress, injury updates

Ah yes, roster cuts, the semi-regular reminder that the season is indeed drawing ever closer by the day.

======

The Dodgers have cut nine players following today’s game, reassigning RHPs Dylan Covey, Landon Knack, Nick Nastrini, Bryan Hudson, Jordan Yamamoto, and Nick Robertson, LHPs Robbie Erlin and James Jones, and OF Yusniel Diaz to minor-league camp. None of these are remotely surprising, but I could see some serving as valuable depth in the future.

All were a part of the non-roster invitee group, leaving 19 NRIs left in big league camp and 59 total after adding the 40-man roster. There are three players on the 60-day IL right now and don’t count towards the 40-man, but that does not include Gavin Lux and Alex Reyes, both of whom will almost certainly begin the year there, thus making it 57 left in camp for all practical purposes.

——

Speaking of injuries, Tony Gonsolin‘s wish for a healthy 2023 is off to a rather ominous start.

Tony Gonsolin has a sprained left ankle, the #Dodgers announced

He’s day-to-day, but won’t pitch Wednesday

Gonsolin rolled his ankle during fielding drills this morning. When he left the facility, he was noticeably limping and had the ankle wrapped

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) March 6, 2023

Also, Justin Bruihl exited today’s game after just two batters with back issues.

#Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Justin Bruihl felt back spasms/tightness during his outing, which is what prompted the pitching change in the ninth inning.

— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) March 6, 2023

Additionally, there were updates on Daniel Hudson and Walker Buehler, one of whom hopes to be back soon and one who hopes to be back at all in 2023.

–– Walker Buehler began his throwing program yesterday, but it's still too soon to know whether he will be able to pitch at all this year after having Tommy John surgery last season

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) March 2, 2023

——

In terms of performance, hilariously enough, Miguel Rojas has made some sloppy defensive plays but is slugging the hell out of the ball at the moment.

.@MRojasOfficial ☄️ pic.twitter.com/aJcfdaM5Vn

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) March 6, 2023

Additionally, Gavin Stone continues to look ready for some kind of MLB debut in 2023.

Gavin Stone Cold Changeups. 👌 pic.twitter.com/lW0iEZQM5Q

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 6, 2023

As mentioned last time, Miguel Vargas continues to look at the very least like a legitimate second baseman.

Miguel Vargas has certainly been looking the part at second. pic.twitter.com/jEspiibRiG

— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) March 6, 2023

He’s still not allowed to swing a bat, however. Which I’m telling myself is just precautionary, but every day that passes the thought that the Dodgers just lied or something creeps into my head.

While Noah Syndergaard was perfect today, his velocity was about the same as last time out. At the very least he doesn’t look like he’s gonna be back to prime velocity unless he’s holding back. Last year he averaged 94 mph, remember.

Noah Syndergaard retired all nine he batters he faced in three scoreless innings today against the Padres

He had two strikeouts and his fastball ranged from 91-94 mph on the stadium gun, a tick up from his max velo last week

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) March 6, 2023

======

World Baseball Classic starts tomorrow, folks.