St. Louis Cardinals Opening Day Roster For Dodgers Series

Paul Goldschmidt, 2024 Spring Training

The St. Louis Cardinals Opening Day roster heading into their matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers does not include Tommy Edman, Dylan Carlson or Lars Nootbaar due to injuries.

On the pitching front, Sonny Gray has battled a right-hamstring strain and is not available as well. Miles Mikolas is the current No. 1 starter in the Cardinals rotation and gets the ball against the Dodgers on Opening Day.

The Cardinals underwhelmed in 2023, finishing last in the National League Central with a 71-91 record. They’ll have to weather the hefty toll injuries have taken on their roster, but a middling division should keep them in the running.

Lance Lynn, who finished last season with the Dodgers, signed with the Cardinals on a one-year, $11 million contract with a team option for the 2025 season.

Meanwhile, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol was recently inked to a two-year extension, keeping him at the helm through the 2026 season.

Jordan Walker remains an increasingly intriguing piece for the Cardinals, as he’s surrounded by numerous veteran sluggers. Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras are the right-handed bats they’ll rely on, with a number of rising, young players to fill in the cracks.

Non-roster invitee Victor Scott II was added to the 40-man roster, with the Cardinals designating Jared Young for assignment on Wednesday.

2024 Cardinals Opening Day roster

Pitchers (13): Ryan Fernandez, Giovanny Gallegos, Kyle Gibson, Ryan Helsey, Andrew Kittredge, Matthew Liberatore, Lance Lynn, Steve Matz, Miles Mikolas, Riley O’Brien, Andre Pallante, JoJo Romero, Zack Thompson

Catchers (2): Willson Contreras, Iván Herrera

Infielders (7): Nolan Arenado, Matt Carpenter, Brandon Crawford, Brendan Donovan, Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Gorman, Masyn Wynn

Outfielders (4): Alec Burleson, Victor Scott II, Michael Siani, Jordan Walker

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Tyler Glasnow Recalls Memories Of Watching Clayton Kershaw Start Dodgers Opening Day

Tyler Glasnow, Seoul Series

When the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Tyler Glasnow from the Tampa Bay Rays during the offseason, it represented a homecoming as the right-hander grew up in Southern California and as a fan of the team.

That was part of the reason why Glasnow called it a “no-brainer” to sign a five-year, $136.5 million contract extension with the Dodgers in order to facilitate the trade.

Glasnow attended several games at Dodger Stadium as a child and recalled watching Clayton Kershaw start on Opening Day. “I don’t think I’ve been to an Opening Day. I would just go randomly throughout the year, but obviously watched them all on TV and stuff,” Glasnow said.

“I was a little older, but watching Kershaw and stuff like that. Going back now, nostalgia kind of floods in and it’s a really cool feeling.”

Kershaw has made a Dodgers franchise-record nine starts on Opening Day, including most recently in 2021. The future Hall of Famer re-signed with the team this past winter, but won’t add to his Opening Day starts this year as he is going to be sidelined until at least the second half of the season.

Meanwhile, Glasnow gets to follow in Kershaw’s footsteps by starting the Dodger Stadium opener on Thursday.

Glasnow has already taken the mound for the Dodgers this season as he limited the San Diego Padres to two runs over five innings in the Seoul Series on Opening Day.

Tyler Glasnow & Yoshinobu Yamamoto made Dodgers history

Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto made Dodgers franchise history by becoming the first pitchers to make their team debuts in the first two games of a season.

Glasnow individually became the first pitcher to start on Opening Day of his inaugural season with the Dodgers since Derek Lowe in 2005.

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Dodgers News: Shohei Ohtani Wanted To Avoid ‘Distractions’ With Marriage Announcement

Shohei Ohtani, 2024 Spring Training

As the Los Angeles Dodgers were going through their final stretch of Spring Training, Shohei Ohtani announced on Instagram that he is married.

The news caught the Dodgers organization by surprise and led to an increase of media attention at Camelback Ranch. Ohtani initially shared few details as to who his wife is but explained why he made the announcement in the middle of Spring Training.

“I felt like it was good timing because it was before the season,” Ohtani said through then-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. “I didn’t want any distractions when the season started.

“And I would have liked to announce it earlier, but there was some paperwork issues that lagged the whole process. So that was the whole deal.”

It later became known that Ohtani got married to Mamiko Tanaka, a former Japanese basketball player. Her identity was revealed when Ohtani shared a photo of the couple boarding the Dodgers’ flight to South Korea.

While Ohtani had good intentions with revealing his marriage during the spring, he nevertheless has become part of off-the-field headlines.

That began due to Mizuhara’s illegal gambling activity and purportedly using a bank account under Ohtani’s name to pay off Southern California bookmaker Mathew Bowyer, who is under federal investigation.

The Dodgers immediately fired Mizuhara once his sports betting came to light, and this week Ohtani accused his former interpreter of lying and stealing.

Ohtani emphatically stated he has never bet on baseball or any other sports, and that Mizuhara’s gambling was unknown to him until after the interpreter addressed the Dodgers clubhouse on Opening Day.

Ohtani’s press conference was attended by Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten, chief marketing officer Lon Rosen, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, general manager Brandon Gomes, manager Dave Roberts, and teammates Kiké Hernández and Joe Kelly.

Shohei Ohtani focused on Dodgers

As part of his prepared statement when addressing the situation with Mizuhara, Ohtani said he hoped his comments would help answer questions and that he was looking forward to the Dodgers resuming their schedule with the Dodger Stadium opener.

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Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman & Gavin Lux Downplay Criticism Of Dodgers Payroll

Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Gavin Lux, Dodgers walk-off win, Dodgers City Connect

The Los Angeles Dodgers went on a historic spending spree during the offseason that saw them commit nearly $1.2 billion to bring in the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow, among others.

The Dodgers have been accused for attempting to buy a World Series title, but Mookie Betts believes it is just sour grapes. “I mean, yeah, but if you got it, then you can,” Betts answered when asked if the critics have a point.

“You do things that other people can’t do, that’s what makes you good, right? That’s what makes people better than the next guy. Because he can hit for more power than the next guy, or he can do this better than the next guy.

“Somebody’s bankroll might be a little bit longer. There’s nothing you can do about it, and it is what it is when they use it. Sorry.”

Freddie Freeman praised the Dodgers ownership group and front office for going above and beyond to improve the team’s chances of winning a World Series, but noted the players still have to do their part on the field.

“Believe me, I wished ‘buying a championship’ means we’d win a championship. But I think everyone in this game knows how hard it is to win a championship,” Freeman began.

“I’m just glad our ownership gave us the best chance to do it. That’s all you can really ask for as players, to give us the best chance to win a World Series this year and many, many more beyond.

“That’s your ultimate goal. To be a fanbase that has an ownership that is going to do that, I think it’s exciting.”

Gavin Lux agreed with Betts and argued teams should do whatever it takes to win a World Series. “I think Mookie said it best. How can you not try to get the best guys possible?,” Lux asked.

“Twenty-nine other teams could’ve done it, so I don’t see how it could be bad for baseball when everyone could’ve done the same thing. Like Mookie said, what do you expect? Not try to go get the best guys to win?

“Our goal is to ultimately win a World Series, so of course we’re going to try and get the best guys out there.”

Gavin Lux: Dodgers have even bigger target

The Dodgers have made 11 consecutive trips to the postseason, but Lux thinks there will be an even bigger target on the team’s back this year. “I feel like we already did anyway, so now I think it’s even more,” Lux said.

“I think we’re used to it. It’s part of playing for the Dodgers. You always have a target on your back. We’ve got to know that stepping into a 162-game season. Every night, teams are going to run their best guys out there, everyone is going to be amped up. We’ll be ready for it.”

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Watch: Bryan Cranston Narrates MLB Opening Week Promotional Video From Dodger Stadium

Bryan Cranston, Dodger Stadium view

MLB again tapped acclaimed actor and longtime Los Angeles Dodgers fan Bryan Cranston to narrate a promotional video. Whereas Cranston focused on rule changes last year, his latest work with MLB drums up excitement for Opening Week of the 2024 season with an “Anything Can Happen” campaign.

The Dodgers and San Diego Padres technically already started the regular season with the Seoul Series last week, but Thursday sees 26 teams in action.

The original MLB schedule called for all 30 teams to play March 28, but Opening Day for the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets were postponed due to rain, and the same occurred with the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies.

Cranston’s newest MLB video features the “Breaking Bad” star walking the concourse at Dodger Stadium and also spending time in the dugout and on the field.

“In Major League Baseball you can dream with no limits,” Cranston begins. “You could become your hero, steal the show, or even start a new club. You can meet the moment and exceed the hype. You can write a new chapter of history and let your city dream again.

“This season, anything can happen!”

Cranston’s ad, along with additional promotional videos that feature players, will appear on MLB Network, MLB.com, MLB.TV, Fox, FS1, ESPN, TBS and Apple, among other digital media sites.

Celebrity Dodgers fan: Bryan Cranston

Cranston has previously shared memories of watching the Dodgers play at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and being wowed by
the likes of Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Don Sutton, Duke Snider, Davey Lopes, Steve Garvey, Reggie Smith, Rick Monday, Fernando Valenzuela and Kirk Gibson, among others.

Cranston has several ties to the Dodgers as he previously emceed Clayton Kershaw’s annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose celebrity tournament and participated in the 2022 Celebrity All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium.

Cranston also presented Vin Scully with the Icon Award during the 25th edition of the ESPYs in 2017.

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Dave Roberts: Ippei Mizuhara Occasionally Made It ‘Difficult’ For Dodgers To Communicate With Shohei Ohtani

Dave Roberts, Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, Dodgers workout, 2024 Spring Training

The most anticipated season in Los Angeles Dodgers franchise history has been sidetracked in the early going thanks to Shohei Ohtani being implicated by former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara in an illegal gambling scandal.

A federal investigation into Southern California bookmaker Mathew Bowyer turned up evidence of a bank account under Ohtani’s name making wire transfers. They were first explained as Ohtani paying off gambling debt for Mizuhara, who was a close friend.

Ohtani has since claimed he was not aware of Mizuhara’s sports betting until the ex-interpreter addressed the Dodgers clubhouse on Opening Day, and that he is the victim of theft.

The scandal is all the more jarring because of the close friendship Ohtani and Mizuhara shared. Rarely were they apart, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has now remarked such an arrangement sometimes made it challenging for the team to communicate with Ohtani, per Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:

“It was difficult,” Roberts said bluntly when asked if his coaching staff had to relay baseball-related dialogue to Ohtani through Mizuhara. “It was difficult. Yeah.”

Mizuhara being so close to Ohtani is believed to have been a factor in the initial explanation for a bank account under Ohtani’s name paying off gambling debt.

Ohtani and his representatives have since alleged that was due to Mizuhara being at the center of translating conversations between parties. The implication being Mizuhara was misleading in those talks.

While reading a statement in Japanese for his first public comments on the matter, Ohtani said he has never bet on baseball or any other sports, and that Mizuhara accessed his bank account without permission.

Where is Ippei Mizuhara?

The Dodgers fired Mizuhara during the Seoul Series and he has not been with the club since speaking with Ohtani at the team hotel following their win on Opening Day.

When asked about Mizuhara’s whereabouts as the Dodgers finished their trip in South Korea, Roberts said he did not have that information. Roberts more recently declined to reveal if the Dodgers fired Mizuhara in person or any details related to that decision.

Mizuhara is currently under investigation by the MLB and Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Will Ireton is currently serving as Ohtani’s new interpreter. Ireton last held such a role for Kenta Maeda from 2016-2019. Ireton otherwise is the Dodgers’ manager of performance operations.

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Los Angeles Dodgers Sign Will Smith To 10-Year Contract Extension

Will Smith, Dodgers workout, 2024 Spring Training

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Will Smith to a 10-year contract extension that runs through the 2033 season. Smith’s deal is worth $140 million and reportedly includes some deferred salary.

Smith’s new contract with the Dodgers comes not only on the eve of the Dodger Stadium opener but the catcher’s 29th birthday as well.

The agreement is reminiscent of the Dodgers signing Mookie Betts to a contract extension in 2020. Smith remained under team control through next season, when he then was poised to potentially become a free agent.

During Spring Training, Smith said the Dodgers had not approached him about signing a contract extension this year.

Smith was picked by the Dodgers in the first round (32nd overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft. His Major League debut came in 2019 and Smith has been the Dodgers’ everyday catcher since 2020.

Manager Dave Roberts has touted Smith among the best catchers in baseball for multiple years and grew frustrated by repeated All-Star Game snubs. That changed last year when Smith was selected to the National League team as a reserve for the All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

He finished the season batting .261/.359/.438 with 21 doubles, 19 home runs and 76 RBI. Smith has played in at least 125 games for three consecutive seasons, and was one of just nine catchers to appear in that many.

Among all Major League catchers for the 2023 season, Smith finished fourth in batting average, third in runs scored (80), fifth in home runs, tied for sixth in extra-base hits (42), seventh in total bases (203), fourth in RBI and third in slugging percentage.

Since making his MLB debut on May 28, 2019, Smith is among the Major League catcher leaders in OPS (first), homers (second), hits (fourth), runs (second), extra-base hits (third), total bases (third) and RBI (second).

Will Smith key bat in Dodgers lineup

Smith has become a key part of the Dodgers’ lineup and established himself as a middle-of-the-order presence, batting third in 119 games in 2023, and opening the 2024 season in the fourth spot.

He is expected to hit cleanup throughout the season, providing lineup protection to Freddie Freeman and ahead of Max Muncy and Teoscar Hernández.

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A Riveting Rivalry: Dodgers Open 2024 US Season Tomorrow Against Cardinals

Tyler Glasnow, 2024 Spring Training

For generations, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers have stood as pillars of excellence in baseball. With a storied history rich in championships and legendary players, these two franchises have cultivated a rivalry that transcends divisional lines.

This competition has been particularly fierce in the postseason, where they’ve clashed five times since 2004, each meeting loaded with unforgettable moments, none more so than the 2021 Wild Card Game. That game saw Chris Taylor of the Dodgers hitting a walk-off homer, a thrilling conclusion to their latest playoff battle. As both teams eye another potential postseason face-off, the focus for now is on the early season, starting with a much-anticipated game at Dodger Stadium.

Anticipation Builds: Game Details

The game starts at 1:10 p.m. PT in Los Angeles and will be available on SportsNet LA and AM 570 radio. Cardinals fans in St. Louis can tune in at 3:10 p.m. CT on Bally Sports Midwest or listen on KMOX and the Cardinals Radio Network. According to Casino Poland Online, odds have the Dodgers as heavy -240 favorites on the moneyline, with the o/u at 8.5 runs. 

DodgerBlue.com will be live Tweeting the game beginning at 1:00 p.m. PT https://twitter.com/DodgerBlue1958

Starting Line-ups: A Look at the Teams

Dodgers Projected Line-up

  1. Mookie Betts, SS
  2. Shohei Ohtani, DH
  3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
  4. Will Smith, C
  5. Max Muncy, 3B
  6. Teoscar Hernández, LF
  7. James Outman, CF
  8. Jason Heyward, RF
  9. Gavin Lux, 2B

Cardinals Projected Line-up

  1. Brendan Donovan, LF
  2. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
  3. Nolan Gorman, 2B
  4. Nolan Arenado, 3B
  5. Willson Contreras, C
  6. Matt Carpenter, DH
  7. Jordan Walker, RF
  8. Victor Scott II, CF
  9. Masyn Winn, SS

On the Mound: Starting Pitchers

Tyler Glasnow, RHP, marks his second Opening Day start (or third if you count the Seoul Series played last week in Korea) and his first at Dodger Stadium as a Dodger, embodying the team’s ambitious offseason acquisitions. For St. Louis, Miles Mikolas, RHP, steps up as the Opening Day starter, who at age 35 is the oldest Cardinal to do so consecutively since Chris Carpenter in 2010 and 2011.

The Bullpen Battle

Despite injuries to Brusdar Graterol and Blake Treinen, who were both placed on the 15-day disabled list, the Dodgers’ bullpen, featuring Joe Kelly and Daniel Hudson, remains formidable. For the Cardinals, Ryan Helsley will lead the way. St. Louis revamped its bullpen, adding Andrew Kittredge and Riley O’Brien to its lineup of relievers over this past off-season.

Both teams face challenges with key players on the injured list as the season starts, including the Dodgers’ Buehler and Sheehan and the Cardinals’ Tommy Edman and Lars Nootbaar, which affects their opening strategies.

Players to Watch

Mookie Betts enters the game hot off a strong performance in South Korea, while Freddie Freeman and James Outman look to bounce back from tepid starts. Still, all eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani, who appears to have put controversy behind him as he plays his first home game for Los Angeles.

Due to injuries, St. Louis will be reshuffling the outfield, with rookies like Victor Scott looking to step up and the team banking on big seasons from sluggers Goldschmidt and Arenado.

Looking Ahead

The Cardinals brace for a demanding schedule against 2023 playoff teams to start the season, with a four-game set against Los Angeles and three games against the San Diego Padres.

The games against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium present an opportunity for redemption after a sweep in 2023, highlighting the ongoing saga of this storied rivalry. This series not only revisits a classic baseball rivalry but sets the stage for a season filled with high expectations, strategic depth, and the pursuit of glory, embodying the rich tradition and competitive spirit that define the Cardinals and the Dodgers.

Law Enforcement Agencies Decline To Confirm If Shohei Ohtani Reported Ippei Mizuhara

Ippei Mizuhara, Seoul Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers are awaiting their first home game of the 2024 regular season, eyeing a push through the flurry of news surrounding Shohei Ohtani and former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.

Mizuhara was fired following allegations of theft and illegal gambling activity. Ohtani is caught in the mix because his bank account is tied to a Southern California bookmaker Mathew Bowyer, who is under federal investigation.

Ohtani and his camp have since made an effort to make clear they believe he was a clear victim of theft by Mizuhara. According to Ohtani and his representatives, they reported Mizuhara to law enforcement agencies, but would not confirm which one to Tisha Thompson and Paula Lavigne of ESPN:

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani’s representatives declined again Tuesday to answer ESPN’s questions about which authorities they have contacted to report their allegation of theft against Ohtani’s former interpreter.

Ohtani’s account of the dynamic and alleged activities were read in a prepared statement on Monday, where the MLB star provided his first public comments. ESPN reached out to multiple law enforcement agencies in an attempt to confirm Ohtani reported Mizuhara, but the agencies would not comment:

ESPN received no confirmation from any of the likely local, state or federal agencies that could investigate allegations of theft that they received a report from Ohtani’s camp.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday that it is working with the IRS to investigate Ohtani’s ex-interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, but would not specify whether it was looking into Ohtani’s theft allegation or if it had been contacted by Ohtani’s representatives.

It’s no surprise a law enforcement agency would not comment on an ongoing investigation or confirm why they started it in the first place. The lack of comment from the agencies was to be expected until their investigation is completed.

The situation will continue to unfold, so Ohtani doesn’t have much to gain by lying right now, and he would set himself up for legal troubles, such as defamation, if he isn’t truthful about any of his claims against Mizuhara.

Ohtani is able to remain with the Dodgers during this time, while MLB conducts their own investigation into the matter. The Dodgers open up their domestic start to the regular season on Thursday when they host the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium.

Ippei Mizuhara made it ‘difficult’ to communicate with Shohei Ohtani

Recent comments made by some within the organization, including Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, noted that Mizuhara created a challenging arrangement between them and Ohtani.

The relationship between Ohtani and Mizuhara is a likely factor, Roberts explaining that baseball-related information had to be passed through Mizuhara.

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Mookie Betts Connects With Dodgers Fans At Raising Cane’s

Mookie Betts, Brianna Betts, Raising Cane's

On the eve of the Los Angeles Dodgers playing their home opener, Mookie Betts was welcomed by droves of fans as he arrived at a Raising Cane’s location in Alhambra, Calif., to work a shift at the popular chain.

Hundreds of fans chanted Betts’ name as he arrived and changed into a blue t-shirt before getting behind the counter to take orders. It was the first time Betts filled such a role, as he noted his “job” has always been playing baseball.

The 31-year-old proved adept at quickly taking orders while also interacting with fans who were thrilled to receive chicken finger meals at no cost.

“It means the world to me for the people of L.A. to come out and support myself, my family, my friends, my foundation. It means the world to me. It’s why I continue to pour back into L.A. and do things like this. It’s a really cool event my wife and my cousin put on, and it’s for a really good cause.”

Betts viewed the Raising Cane’s visit as an opportunity to connect with fans, which he appreciated doing when playing right field but now no longer has quite the same ability because of being shifted to shortstop.

“I’m the same me,” Betts said. “I still want to interact, talk and joke with people. This is a good way for me to get that out.”

Raising Cane’s donates to Mookie Betts’ Foundation

In a sign of gratitude for Betts’ working a shift, Raising Cane’s donated $100,000 to his 5050 Foundation.

Betts’ charity has a mission of breaking the barriers that hold kids back, particularly for their medical and financial needs. The 5050 Foundation recently hosted a second annual bowling event to raise support for its ongoing

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This Day In Dodgers History: Frank McCourt Agrees To Sell Team

Magic Johnson, Frank McCourt

On March 27, 2012, embattled owner Frank McCourt agreed to sell the Los Angeles Dodgers franchise to Guggenheim Baseball Management for a record $2 billion. It ended a months-long process as it was in November of 2011 that McCourt signed off on selling the team, Dodger Stadium and the surrounding real estate.

The sale price shattered the $1.47 billion Malcolm Glazer paid for English soccer team, Manchester United, in 2005. While a deal was in place, it required final confirmation in a court hearing on April 13 of that year.

The Guggenheim group was headed by principle owner Mark Walter and included team president and CEO Stan Kasten, and part-owners Todd Boehly, Peter Guber, Magic Johnson and Bobby Patton.

McCourt purchased the Dodgers from NewsCorp in February 2004 for $420 million, though in a deal that was heavily financed.

They reached the postseason four times in McCourt’s six years as owner, in 2008 won a playoff series for the first time in 20 years and made back-to-back appearances in the National League Championship Series.

However, his tenure ultimately was marred and evaluated by multiple public relations missteps by McCourt and his wife, Jamie, instability within the organization and the couple’s eventual divorce. That came to light when news of their separation broke on the eve of the 2009 NLCS.

Then-commissioner Bud Selig announced in April 2012 that MLB was taking over operations of the Dodgers and appointing a trustee. Selig and McCourt traded public barbs as the Dodgers were dragged into bankruptcy before the two reached an agreement on terms to sell the team.

Upon officially taking control of the franchise, Guggenheim immediately moved to inspire faith from fans and get the team back on a competitive path. One of their more splashy acts was a trade with the Boston Red Sox in August 2012 that saw the Dodgers take on more than $250 million in salary.

Dodgers success under Guggenheim

The Dodgers have won the NL West in all but one of Guggenheim’s full seasons as owners (beginning in 2013). They reached the World Series in 2017 for the first time in 29 years and returned to the Fall Classic the following season. In 2019, the Dodgers set a franchise record with 106 wins, and won the 2020 World Series to end the championship drought.

The 2022 Dodgers then set a new franchise record with 111 wins.

Guggenheim has also overseen several upgrades to Dodger Stadium, including a $100 million project that was completed for the 2020 season.

Their ownership group grew to include Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss in 2018 as minority stakeholders, and in 2019 Alan Smolinisky and Robert L. Plummer joined as part owners.

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Dodgers Injury Update: Jason Heyward Will ‘Be Ready To Go’ For Opening Day

Jason Heyward, Freeway Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers concluded their exhibition schedule with a 4-3 walk-off loss to the Los Angeles Angels in the Freeway Series finale at Angel Stadium.

As was the case in the first two games, the Dodgers lineup featured several regulars, including Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman. Jason Heyward had also been penciled in, but he was a late scratch and replaced by Chris Taylor.

Manager Dave Roberts revealed that Heyward strained his lower back during batting practice and will receive treatment, but he is expected to be ready for Opening Day on Thursday, as seen on SportsNet LA:

“Jason is fine. There was something during batting practice, he just kind of strained his lower back. For me, he’s taken plenty of at-bats, so to scratch him late, not a big deal. He’ll come in tomorrow to get some treatment and be ready to go Thursday.”

Assuming he responds well to the treatment, Heyward should be in the Dodgers’ lineup on Opening Day as the St. Louis Cardinals are sending right-hander Miles Mikolas to the mound.

The 34-year-old figures to receive most of his playing time in right field this season, but could occasionally get some starts at the other two outfield spots as well.

Heyward is coming off a resurgent first season with the Dodgers that saw him hit .269/.340/.473 with 23 doubles, 15 home runs and 40 RBI in 124 games.

He additionally won the 2023 Roy Campanella Award, which is given each year to one player from the team who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher.

Jason Heyward 2024 spring stats with Dodgers

Heyward batted .250/.276/.429 with one double, two triples and one RBI in 10 Cactus League games. During the two-game Seoul Series in South Korea, he went 2-for-6 with two RBI and three runs scored over seven plate appearances.

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