The Los Angeles Dodgers officially have their 2021 Spring Training report dates, with pitchers and catchers due at Camelback Ranch by Wednesday, Feb. 17, with their first official workout of camp taking place the next day.
Position players must arrive within a few days after pitchers and catchers, and the first full-squad workout will then take place Tuesday, Feb. 23. The Dodgers historically have early arrivals to Spring Training camp, but MLB prohibited such this year due to health concerns.
The February dates were effectively locked in after the Major League Baseball Players Association rejected a proposal to delay both the start of Spring Training and the regular season. MLB presented such an idea under the expectation the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic would be better controlled come March.
The MLBPA reportedly were concerned with unilateral power Manfred would gain had they agreed. Furthermore, it entailed a trade of the universal designated hitter returning in exchange for an expanded postseason.
With camp dates set and barring any unforeseen changes, the Dodgers open their Cactus League schedule Saturday, Feb. 27, with a road matchup at Sloan Park against the Chicago Cubs. L.A. is slated to play 16 of their 30 Cactus League games at Camelback Ranch, including 15 as the designated home team.
A notable change this year is fans not being permitted to attend workouts or receive autographs on the backfields at Camelback Ranch. Furthermore, attendance for Cactus League games will be reduced and done in pod seating.
The Dodgers will break camp for the exhibition Freeway Series at the end of March, with both games being played at Dodger Stadium. The complete 2021 Dodgers Spring Training schedule can be viewed here.
Opening Day of the 2021 regular season is set for April 1, which has the Dodgers playing the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
Dodgers face long odds to defend World Series title
While the roster underwent changes during the offseason — including the losses of Pedro Baez, Kiké Hernandez and Joc Pederson departing in free agency — the Dodgers are poised enter the season as favorites to repeat. That was further strengthened with the forthcoming signing of Trevor Bauer.
MLB has not seen back-to-back champions since the New York Yankees won three titles in a row from 1998-2000.
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