Clayton Kershaw Pitches Well Tuesday
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw turned in a solid start in Tuesday's Cactus League 4-2 win over the Guardians. Kershaw pitched 5 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and no walks with three strikeouts. While the veteran has a 5.11 ERA over three starts, he said that he feels great physically. This is the most encouraging aspect for fantasy managers, as Kershaw has only managed 22 starts in each of the last two seasons. His performance on a start-by-start basis is still as strong as some of the best fantasy options, but his health has knocked his average draft position down over the years.
Mar 22 · Source via
Noah Syndergaard Pitches Through Blister Issue Tuesday
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (hand) said he wasn't able to really get much footing in the rain on Tuesday during his Cactus League start against the San Francisco Giants, which explains some of his inconsistent velocity. Syndergaard has been dealing with a blister off and on for the last few months, and it was bothering him a bit on Tuesday. The 30-year-old right-hander ended up allowing six earned runs on six hits while walking one in 4 1/3 innings. It's unlikely that Thor won't be ready for the start of the 2023 regular season, but his blister issue is something to watch early on. If he's able to regain some of his pre-Tommy John velocity in his first year in Hollywood, Syndergaard could be a nice value starting pitcher in fantasy.
Mar 21 · Source via
Julio Urias Likely To Start Opening Day For Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Julio Urias is likely to make the start on Opening Day on March 30 at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Urias was the Dodgers best starter in 2022 and went 17-7 with a league-best 2.16 ERA (3.71 FIP), 0.96 WHIP and 24.1 percent strikeout rate in 175 innings and 31 starts. The 26-year-old southpaw is lined up to start on Opening Day and will make his return to Cactus League action this Friday after pitching in the World Baseball Classic for Team Mexico. Because he doesn't strike out a ton of hitters like the elite fantasy starters, he's ideally a No. 2 fantasy starter target in upcoming drafts.
Mar 21 · Source via
Julio Urias Expected To Start Friday's Cactus League Game
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Julio Urias was removed from Team Mexico's active roster because he won't pitch again in the World Baseball Classic, but he remains with the team as they play Team Japan in the semifinals on Monday night. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Urias is expected to start Friday's Cactus League game. The 26-year-old southpaw has pitched well for both Team Mexico and for the Dodgers this spring and appears to be in midseason form with Opening Day looming in 10 days. Urias is expected to start on Opening Day for the Blue at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and he'll be a fantasy ace that is a must-start each time he toes the rubber.
Mar 20 · Source via
Daniel Hudson To Begin Season On Injured List
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Daniel Hudson (knee) said that he will begin the 2023 season on the injured list. The right-hander has been working his way back from a torn ACL from last June. He has been able to face live hitters a few times, but it appears his knee is still bothering him. The Dodgers will develop a new timetable for Hudson to get back on the mound. Until then, Brusdar Graterol and Evan Phillips figure to be the favorites for the closer role in Los Angeles.
Mar 20 · Source via
Freddie Freeman Records Two Hits In Return To Lineup
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (hamstring) made his return to the team's Cactus League lineup as the designated hitter on Saturday against the Chicago White Sox and went 2-for-2 with a run scored and a walk in the team's 6-4 victory. The plan is for Freeman to play first base on Sunday after he was pulled from Team Canada's game in the World Baseball Classic earlier in the week due to a tight hamstring. The 33-year-old's injury was considered minor, and he's fully expected to be ready for Opening Day at the end of March. Heading into his second season with the Dodgers in 2023, Freeman should be considered an elite fantasy first baseman.
Mar 18 · Source via
Tony Gonsolin Expected To Open Season On Injured List
Dodgers right-hander Tony Gonsolin won’t be ready for the beginning of the season due to his current ankle injury, manager Dave Roberts announced Friday (Twitter link via Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times). He’s expected to open the season on the 15-day injured list. Righties Ryan Pepiot and Michael Grove are the favorites to break…
Mar 17 · MLB Trade Rumors Dodgers Tony GonsolinTony Gonsolin To Begin Season On Injured List
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Friday that starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin (ankle), as expected, will begin the 2023 regular season on the injured list due to a sprained ankle he suffered in camp. While Gonsolin won't be ready to take his first turn through the rotation to begin the year, he's expected to only miss the first couple weeks of action. The 28-year-old right-hander isn't being pushed by the Dodgers to close out spring training, and he's fully expected to be a big piece of their starting rotation yet again after breaking out in 2022. Gonsolin should still be drafted in all redraft leagues, but fantasy managers should fully expect some regression.
Mar 17 · Source via
Freddie Freeman Expected To Play Saturday
The Los Angeles Dodgers' plan is for first baseman Freddie Freeman (hamstring) to serve as the designated hitter for Saturday's Cactus League game and then play first base on Sunday. Freeman was pulled from Team Canada's game in the World Baseball Classic earlier this week with a tweaked right hamstring, but it was a precautionary measure and he's fully expected to be ready for Opening Day. The 33-year-old left-handed slugger is back in camp with the Dodgers now and should be back in the Cactus League lineup this weekend, barring a setback on Friday. Freeman is one of baseball's best all-around first baseman and resides in one of the league's best lineups. He's an elite fantasy first baseman.
Mar 17 · Source via
The Dodgers' Rotation Options If Tony Gonsolin Misses Time
The Dodgers were dealt some undesirable news last week when All-Star starter Tony Gonsolin rolled his left ankle during a pitcher-fielding practice session. He was diagnosed with a sprain and unable to put much weight on the leg for a few days. Manager Dave Roberts told reporters yesterday that Gonsolin has again started throwing (via Bill…
Mar 16 · MLB Trade Rumors Dodgers Dylan Covey Robbie Erlin Tony Gonsolin Michael Grove Andre Jackson Clayton Kershaw Landon Knack Dustin May Bobby Miller Ryan Pepiot Gavin Stone Noah Syndergaard prospectsJulio Urias Having Uneven Spring So Far
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias had a couple of good outings in spring training before setting out for the World Baseball Classic. Urias pitched to a 1.35 ERA over 6 2/3 innings with a 0.75 WHIP and five strikeouts for the Dodgers. His first start for Team Mexico wasn't as sharp, however. Though he fanned six over five innings, he also gave up three runs, including a two-run home run. Urias threw 43 of his 62 pitches for strikes against Team Colombia, so his command looks ready for the season. He is tentatively scheduled to start for Mexico in the quarterfinals. A borderline ace for fantasy purposes, Urias looks to be rounding into shape after coming off a season that saw him pitch to a 2.16 ERA and a WHIP of 0.96 over 31 starts.
Mar 15 · Source via
Tony Gonsolin Resumes Throwing Wednesday
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin (ankle) is throwing out to 120 feet in spring training and is able to put some weight on his sprained left ankle, according to manager Dave Roberts. However, there is still no update on Gonsolin's timetable for a return to games. The 28-year-old isn't expected to be ready to take his first turn in the regular season rotation, but barring a setback with his ankle, he shouldn't miss too many starts early on for the Dodgers or fantasy managers. Gonsolin had a career year in 2022 but dealt with an injury down the stretch and wasn't as effective to close things out. He will once again be a key member of LA's rotation, but fantasy managers would be wise to expect some regression.
Mar 15 · Source via
Dodgers Not Concerned About Freddie Freeman
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he has "no concern at all" that first baseman Freddie Freeman (hamstring), who suffered a right hamstring injury while playing for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday, won't be ready for Opening Day. "We expect him to be in a game sooner rather than later," Roberts said. It's great news, but Freeman is done with the 2023 WBC for Canada and will now focus on getting back into a Cactus League game for LA. The 33-year-old's hamstring injury is considered mild, but the Dodgers will take a cautious approach with Opening Day still several weeks away. Freeman is RotoBaller's second-ranked fantasy first baseman heading into his second year with the Blue.
Mar 15 · Source via
Freddie Freeman Out Of WBC Lineup Wednesday
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (hamstring) is officially out of Team Canada's lineup in the World Baseball Classic against Team Mexico on Wednesday, as expected. "He's out of this tournament for now. The Dodgers decided that. He's over in camp right now getting looked at by the doctors and training staff," Canada manager Ernie Whitt said. Freeman left the game early on Tuesday due to hamstring tightness, and the Dodgers understandably aren't going to take any chances with their All-Star first baseman. At this point, it's likely that the 33-year-old left-handed slugger will not play again in the WBC this year. Fantasy managers will just be hoping he'll be ready for Opening Day, which remains to be seen.
Mar 15 · Source via
Dodgers Reassign Diego Cartaya
Los Angeles Dodgers top prospect Diego Cartaya has been reassigned by the organization. Cartaya, 21, is the prize of a loaded Dodgers farm system, but struggled in limited action this spring with just one hit over 11 at-bats. Despite being added to the 40-man roster this offseason, it's no shock that Cartaya will start the season on the farm with All-Star catcher Will Smith behind the dish at the big-league level. Cartaya hit .254 with 22 homers and 72 RBI this past season between Single-A and High-A. Despite being one of the top prospects in the game, he is only a name for dynasty managers to consider at the moment.
Mar 15 · Source via
Bobby Miller Reassigned By Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers top pitching prospect Bobby Miller has been reassigned to minor league camp. Miller, 23, was in camp with the Dodgers, but didn't make an appearance in the Cactus League. The right-hander has shown high velocities with both a four seam and two seam fastball and also mixes it up with a plus slider and changeup. This past season between Double-A and Triple-A, Miller went 7-7 with a 4.25 ERA and 145 strikeouts in 112 1/3 innings. With starting pitchers Noah Syndergaard and Tony Gonsolin both being injury prone, it wouldn't be a surprise at all if Miller makes his debut in 2023. Dynasty managers should already be rostering the right-hander and he makes for an exciting option in redraft leagues when he makes it to the show.
Mar 15 · Source via
Andy Pages Reassigned To Minor League Camp
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Andy Pages has been reassigned to minor league camp. The 22-year-old struggled this spring with just four hits in 17 at-bats with three RBI. Despite the demotion, the Cuban product has a bright future ahead of him as a power hitter with a strong eye at the plate. This past season, Pages hit .236 with 26 longballs and 80 RBI in 132 games. Pages should open the season in Triple-A, but a strong showing there would only add to his impressive minor league career. As with many of the Dodgers prospects in a loaded farm system, there just isn't enough space or playing time on the big-league roster. Dynasty managers should consider giving Pages a look, but managers in redraft leagues can avoid for now, while keeping his name on file in the event he is dealt or the Dodgers suffer injuries at the big-league level and give the power-hitter a promotion.
Mar 15 · Source via
Michael Busch Reassigned To Triple-A
Los Angeles Dodgers second base prospect Michael Busch has been optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Busch, 25, hit .261 with one home run and three this spring. Busch has been one of the Dodgers top prospects over the past few seasons, but there hasn't been a spot for him at the big-league level. In 2022, Busch hit a healthy .274 with 32 home runs and 108 RBI between Double-A and Triple-A. Busch continues to perform well on the farm, but fellow prospect infielder Miguel Vargas has leaped him for a big-league roster spot. If Vargas or veteran infielder Max Muncy struggle out of the gates, Busch may be in line for a promotion. For now, he remains a hold in dynasty leagues and can be ignored in redraft leagues.
Mar 15 · Source via
Freddie Freeman Day-To-Day With Hamstring Injury
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (hamstring) exited Tuesday's World Baseball Classic 5-0 win over Team Columbia with a slight hamstring issue. Freeman was removed from the game in the bottom of the fourth inning after gingerly running to first base on a pop-fly out in the third. The specific hamstring was not specified. Team Canada manager Ernie Whitt said after the game that Freeman's removal was precautionary and that he is not expected to play Wednesday against Team Mexico. Freeman has been swinging a hot bat this spring and is a top fantasy option, so it is fortunate that this sounds like a minor issue. Fantasy managers should be on the lookout for updates in the coming days.
Mar 15 · Source via
Freddie Freeman Has Three Homers This Spring
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, who is also playing for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic, was hitting .353 (6-for-17) with two doubles, three home runs, eight RBI and four runs scored in seven Cactus League games before he departed for the WBC. The six-time All-Star slashed .325/.407/.511 with a .918 OPS. He led the league in plate appearances (708), runs scored (117), hits (199) and doubles (47) while also hitting 21 home runs, driving in 100 runs and stealing a career-high 13 bases in 159 games in his first year in LA. The 33-year-old should be more comfortable in his second year with the Blue and is RotoBaller's second-ranked fantasy first baseman, behind only Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Mar 14 · Source via
Jordan Yamamoto Retires From Baseball
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Jordan Yamamoto has retired from professional baseball, according to his personal Twitter account. The 26-year-old was in camp with the Dodgers on a minor league contract. Yamamoto hasn't made an appearance on an MLB mound since 2021. The right-hander put together a decent rookie campaign in 2019, but struggled after that. He'll finish his MLB career with a 6.05 ERA in 21 games (19 starts) between the Miami Marlins and New York Mets.
Mar 13 · Source via
Mookie Betts To Serve As Leadoff Hitter In 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder/second baseman Mookie Betts will serve as the club's leadoff hitter for 2023, according to skipper Dave Roberts. Roberts noted that there were discussions surrounding the lefty-swinging Gavin Lux (knee) leading off against certain right-hander pitchers, but with Lux out for the season with an ACL tear, it will be Betts as the full-time leadoff man. The 30-year-old Betts, who will start approximately 20 games at second base this season, hit .269 with 35 home runs, 12 stolen bases and an .873 OPS across 142 games in the 2022 campaign. The 2018 AL MVP's bat has been at least 30% above league average in each of the last five seasons, per wRC+, and gains significant value as the leadoff hitter in an offense that led all of baseball with 847 runs scored a season ago. He should certainly be one of the first outfielders off the board on draft day.
Mar 13 · Source via
Mookie Betts To Play Around 20 Games At Second Base
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that outfielder Mookie Betts would play closer to 20 games at second base during the regular season to give Miguel Vargas days off when necessary. In addition to gaining second base eligibility in some fantasy leagues, Betts will serve as LA's leadoff man. It will give him more opportunities to score runs, but it will also take away valuable RBI opportunities. The 30-year-old will come off the board towards the back end of the first round of fantasy drafts this spring. The six-time All-Star hit .269/.340/.533 with an .873 OPS, career-high 35 home runs, 82 RBI, league-high 117 runs scored and 12 stolen bases in 639 plate appearances and 142 games in his third year with the Blue in 2022.
Mar 13 · Source via
Bobby Miller Unlikely To Pitch In Cactus League
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Bobby Miller is unlikely to pitch during Spring Training, according to manager Dave Roberts. It appears the Dodgers are going to bring him along slowly after giving Miller an increased workload last season. The right-hander threw 112 1/2 innings between Double-A and Triple-A last season. The 23-year-old has excellent stuff and should be able to contribute in Los Angeles shortly. However, Miller won't be someone worth holding in most formats outside of dynasty leagues right now.
Mar 10 · Source via
Ryan Pepiot, Michael Grove Could Open Season In Rotation
With Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin (ankle) looking increasingly unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, his rotation spot would probably go to either Ryan Pepiot or Michael Grove. The team will take things slowly with Gonsolin after he sprained his left ankle in camp on Monday. It will be a great opportunity for either of the young pitchers, but it remains to be seen how many turns through the rotation they'll need to fill early on. Pepiot had a 3.47 ERA with 42 K's in 36 1/3 innings for LA last year, but he has had issues with control at times. The 26-year-old Grove had a 4.60 ERA in seven outings (six starts) in his first major-league action in 2022. Either Pepiot or Grove would be worth looking into as early season streamers in LA's rotation.
Mar 10 · Source via
Dodgers To Take It Slow With Tony Gonsolin
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said "it's gonna be a slow process" for starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin (ankle) coming off a sprained left ankle. It's safe to assume that Ryan Pepiot and Michael Grove are the first options if the Dodgers need spot starts in Gonsolin's rotation spot to begin the 2023 season. Gonsolin rolled his ankle during drills in camp on Monday and is unlikely to be ready for the start of the season now. The 28-year-old right-hander had a breakout season for the Dodgers in 2022 with 16 wins, a 2.10 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 116 strikeouts in 128 1/3 innings, but he wasn't as good down the stretch and also dealt with a forearm strain. His 2023 season is off to a bad start, and it wouldn't be wise for fantasy managers to expect better numbers from him this year.
Mar 10 · Source via
Clayton Kershaw To Make Spring Debut Friday
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut on Friday against the Los Angeles Angels. Although Kershaw has dealt with his share of injuries in recent seasons, he's been healthy in spring training, although the Dodgers haven't been in a hurry to get him into Cactus League games. The 34-year-old southpaw dropped out of the World Baseball Classic for Team USA due to insurance issues, but that should only be a good thing for his 2023 fantasy outlook. Kershaw is no longer a fantasy ace as he nears the end of his career, and he should be expected to miss some time due to injury. However, the future Hall of Famer can still be useful in fantasy when he's healthy. Target him as more of a SP3 in drafts this spring.
Mar 9 · Source via
Jason Heyward Expected To Make Opening Day Roster
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, "I think it's a safe bet" that outfielder Jason Heyward will be on the Opening Day roster, which was expected all along. Heyward's chances of making the roster out of spring training greatly increased when Chris Taylor was forced into infield duties when Gavin Lux (knee) went down with a season-ending injury last week, and he could see considerable time against right-handed pitchers in either left or center field early in 2023. The 33-year-old left-handed hitter has retooled his swing and has gone 4-for-12 with two home runs so far in Cactus League play. Heyward will need to keep it up into the regular season for most fantasy managers to take notice after he hit just one homer in 48 games in 2022.
Mar 8 · Source via
Tony Gonsolin's Availability For Opening Day In Question
Dodgers starter Tony Gonsolin suffered a left ankle sprain during a pitcher-fielding practice on Monday. The club has downplayed the injury’s longer-term severity, but manager Dave Roberts indicated this evening the right-hander wasn’t in great position for Opening Day (via Fabian Ardaya of the Athletic and Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times). On a positive…
Mar 8 · MLB Trade Rumors Dodgers Tony GonsolinGavin Lux Has Successful Knee Surgery
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux's (knee) surgery on Wednesday "went well," according to manager Dave Roberts. In addition to suffering a torn right ACL in a Cactus League game on Feb. 27, Lux's surgery confirmed the damage to his LCL was "more than a sprain." The 25-year-old will miss the entire 2023 season, so fantasy managers in single-year leagues can avoid him. In his absence and with former shortstop Trea Turner in Philadelphia, Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor are expected to split time at the position, with Rojas being the primary option at the 6.
Mar 8 · Source via
Miguel Vargas Cleared To Swing
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Vargas (finger) isn't in the team's Cactus League lineup on Wednesday, but he said his routine is "back to normal." Whenever Vargas returns to the spring lineup, he should be cleared to swing in the game. The Dodgers have kept Vargas in their Cactus League lineups to work on his defense, but he's only been tracking pitches at the plate due to a hairline fracture in his right pinkie finger. As long as the 23-year-old doesn't have any setbacks when he resumes swinging in games, he should be ready for Opening Day. Vargas is one of the Dodgers' best hitting prospects and has a shot to become their everyday second baseman in 2023, giving him some appeal in mixed leagues.
Mar 8 · Source via
Tony Gonsolin Could Miss Opening Day
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin's left ankle is still "tender," according to manager Dave Roberts. However, X-rays came back clean for any fractures. Roberts said he "doesn't feel good" about Gonsolin being ready for Opening Day, but he continues to be listed as day-to-day in spring camp. Gonsolin suffered a sprained ankle doing drills in camp and will not throw for at least a few more days. The 28-year-old All-Star might not be able to make his first turn through the rotation in the regular season, but barring a setback, he shouldn't miss too much time early on. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect even better numbers from Gonsolin in 2023, but he should be a rotation staple for the Dodgers.
Mar 8 · Source via
Daniel Hudson, Yency Almonte Facing Hitters Wednesday
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitchers Daniel Hudson (ankle, knee) and Yency Almonte (elbow) are scheduled to face live hitters on Wednesday for the first time since spring training started. Hudson suffered a season-ending torn left ACL last June and also had a setback with an ankle injury, which will cause him to open the 2023 season on the injured list. However, Hudson could be back as a closing option for the Blue in the middle of April. The 28-year-old Almonte missed most of the second half in 2022 with an elbow injury, and he could also open the season on the injured list for the Dodgers. Hudson should have much more fantasy appeal than Almonte as an option to close out games for one of the best teams in baseball.
Mar 8 · Source via
Mookie Betts To See Time At Second In World Baseball Classic
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa said Tuesday that Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts will play some second base for Team USA during this year's World Baseball Classic. Team USA's only true second baseman on the roster is Mets Jeff McNeil, but Betts began his career as a second baseman and has sporadically played it throughout his big-league career. This plan may also be implemented by the Dodgers at times this season, as Gavin Lux (knee) will miss the entire 2023 season due to a torn ACL. Betts is a top fantasy option in a relatively shallow position of outfield, but second base is even shallower. As such, his fantasy value could rise that much more if he becomes second base eligible during the season.
Mar 8 · Source via