Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently shared some insights into the team's current roster health, and there are a few key updates that fans will want to keep an eye on. Notably, left-hander Blake Snell is making strides in his ramp-up, but it looks like he might not be ready for Opening Day.
Despite their World Series win a few months back, the Dodgers leaned heavily on their starting pitchers, even pulling them into relief roles. Snell, for instance, was a workhorse, pitching five innings in the first game, 6 2/3 in the fifth, and then coming out of the bullpen in the seventh game. He admitted that by the end of the series, he was feeling the strain.
This time around, both Snell and the team are taking a more cautious approach, focusing on long-term health rather than rushing him back for the start of the season. With a strong roster, the Dodgers can afford this luxury, prioritizing October readiness. Last year, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was the only pitcher to exceed 113 innings, highlighting the team's careful management of their arms.
Even without Snell ready for Opening Day, the rotation remains formidable. Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Emmet Sheehan are expected to secure four spots, with Roki Sasaki likely filling the fifth. If needed, pitchers like River Ryan, Ben Casparius, Justin Wrobleski, Kyle Hurt, Gavin Stone, or Landon Knack could step up.
In the bullpen, Brusdar Graterol is currently in a “holding pattern” and hasn’t thrown off a mound recently. While it’s known he won’t be ready for Opening Day, it’s concerning that progress has been slow.
Graterol was a crucial bullpen piece from 2020 to 2023, but injuries have limited his appearances in recent years. The Dodgers are wisely taking their time with his recovery, but seeing him progress would be encouraging.
Additionally, right-hander Bobby Miller has yet to throw off a mound this spring due to an unspecified arm or shoulder issue. He hopes to ramp up in the coming weeks, depending on his recovery.
Miller is a bit of a wild card, having shown promise with a 3.76 ERA in his 2023 debut but struggling in subsequent seasons. With a couple of options left, the Dodgers have the flexibility to continue developing him in the minors.
The Dodgers are clearly playing the long game, ensuring their roster is healthy and ready for another deep postseason run. Fans will be eagerly watching these developments as the season unfolds.