With MLB and the Players Association (MLBPA) ratifying a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) late last week, matters are now fast-moving with Spring Training camps opening and free agency frenzy resuming.
While Minor Leaguers not on 40-man rosters have been participating in full workouts for multiple weeks, MLB players were caught in the middle before an agreement was reached. With Spring Training getting a late start and the 2022 regular season delayed by one week, players face more of a crunch to prepare for the year.
The situation is similar to 2020, when a shortened Summer Camp was held as MLB returned from being shut down by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The league allowed for teams to carry 28-man rosters to help offset the shortened Spring Training 2.0.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, MLB plans to speak with general managers to determine of rosters will be expanded during April:
MLB still is trying to determine whether rosters will be expanded by 2 or 3 players in April.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 11, 2022
MLB plans to canvass GMs in the next few weeks to determine whether expanded rosters are needed in the month of April. No decision has been made.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 11, 2022
The group affected most by a shortened Spring Training undeniably are pitchers. Starting pitchers need adequate time to be stretched out into their workloads.
Without adequate time to do so and if rosters aren’t expanded to start the season, there might be more bullpen games and short-stint outings. With expanded rosters, teams will have more freedom and can utilize their pitching staff in a more liberal manner.
Dodgers will be cautious during Spring Training
The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to take a measured approach during Spring Training, with manager Dave Roberts believing the experience from 2020 will prove beneficial.
“It’s kind of threading the needle of ramping them up but not putting them in harm’s way,” Roberts said of the roster.
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