As the 2026 MLB season looms on the horizon, the Los Angeles Dodgers are making strategic moves to shape their roster for another championship run. With the season opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks just days away, the Dodgers are fine-tuning their lineup, aiming to start strong in their quest to defend their World Series title.
One of the latest roster decisions involves right-handed pitcher Kyle Hurt. After a challenging recovery from Tommy John surgery in 2024, Hurt spent the end of last season rehabbing at Triple-A and participating in postseason scrimmages.
This spring, he showcased his potential with a solid performance, allowing just three runs on six hits over 7.1 innings, boasting a 3.68 ERA and an impressive 40-percent strikeout rate. Despite these promising stats, Hurt has been optioned to Triple-A, making him unavailable for the Opening Day roster.
As the Dodgers finalize their bullpen, they face crucial decisions with several pitchers unavailable at the start of the season, including Blake Snell, Gavin Stone, Brusdar Graterol, Brock Stewart, and Bobby Miller. This leaves them with 15 healthy pitchers on the 40-man roster, along with two non-roster invitees: lefty Antoine Kelly and righty Chris Campos.
The focus now shifts to finding the right mix for the bullpen, particularly a reliable right-handed option. The competition is heating up among River Ryan, Will Klein, and Edgardo Henriquez for the final two spots. There's also consideration to keep Ryan in Triple-A to preserve his arm for the latter part of the season, a strategy that proved effective with Emmet Sheehan last year.
As the Dodgers prepare for another thrilling season, these roster moves highlight their depth and strategic planning. Fans can expect a dynamic team ready to defend their crown with both seasoned players and emerging talents eager to make an impact.