The Los Angeles Dodgers break camp following Saturday’s Cactus League finale against the Cleveland Indians, which will put them one step closer needing to set their 26-man Opening Day roster for the 2021 season.
The Dodgers have until 9 a.m. PT on Thursday morning to finalize their active roster. While the door may not yet officially be shut, both Brusdar Graterol and Joe Kelly are not expected to be with the team at the outset of the season due to falling behind in camp.
Graterol was unable to throw during the offseason and Kelly has dealt with an undisclosed injury.
In some sense that has helped alleviate a potential logjam in the bullpen, particularly with David Price throwing his name into consideration. Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May and Julio Urias also figure to benefit from that as well.
As the pitching staff began to take shape over the past week, there wasn’t quite as much uncertainty on the position player side — and in particular the bench. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently said Matt Beaty had earned a spot, which effectively left just one opening.
Based on how the Dodgers have managed players and Spring Training roster cuts, below is a prediction on the 26 players who will be on the active roster come April 1.
The original iteration took into account Roberts’ recent comments about needing a plethora of pitching due to an Opening Series at Coors Field followed by Interleague play with the Oakland Athletics, and thus featured 14 pitchers.
However, Roberts announced Friday night the Dodgers will carry 13 pitchers and 13 position players.
Projected Dodgers Opening Day roster (players listed alphabetically)
Starting rotation (5): Trevor Bauer, Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May, Julio Urias
Bullpen (8): Scott Alexander, Tony Gonsolin, Victor Gonzalez, Kenley Jansen, Corey Knebel, Jimmy Nelson, David Price, Blake Treinen
Catchers (2): Austin Barnes, Will Smith
Infielders (7): Matt Beaty, Gavin Lux, Max Muncy, Edwin Rios, Corey Seager, Chris Taylor, Justin Turner
Outfielders (4): Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts, AJ Pollock, Zach McKinstry
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, participate in our shows and giveaways, and more!
