The 2022 Los Angeles Dodgers Opening Day roster was made official Thursday afternoon, which consists of 16 pitchers, 12 position players, and six on the injured list.
Each MLB club is allowed to carry two extra players on their roster, giving them 28 spots (29 for doubleheaders) to begin the season, with no max on how many pitchers they can carry. Beginning May 2, teams will once again be limited to rosters consisting of 26 players with a max of 13 pitchers.
The rule is designed to help lessen the workload of pitchers who were not all able to be built up in time due to the MLB lockout like they would in a normal Spring Training.
L.A. had a lot of tough decisions to make and recently came to the decision that Jake Lamb and Kevin Pillar would not open the season with the club. Both players were re-assigned to Minor League camp but should make an impact at some point in the season.
Edwin Rios earned the final spot on the bench after missing the majority of the 2021 season after he underwent surgery to address a partially torn labrum in his right shoulder. The left-handed hitter had spent the previous few seasons playing through the injury.
“We’re very excited about that,” Roberts said of Rios making the roster. “He was thrilled. I called him when he was with his wife at their house, so he was really excited. He’s earned it.”
The Dodgers were considering carrying 15 pitchers and 13 position players, but ultimately decided to carry the extra pitcher in Garrett Cleavinger.
Both Caleb Ferguson and Tommy Kahnle were placed on the 10-day injured list as expected as they work their way back from Tommy John surgery.
The club also placed Victor Gonzalez on the 10-day IL with left elbow inflammation and optioned Phil Bickford to Triple-A. Bickford was not expected to be ready for Opening Day.
Dodgers Opening Day roster for 2022
Starting pitchers (5): Walker Buehler, Tony Gonsolin, Andrew Heaney, Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urias
Relief pitchers (11): Tyler Anderson, Justin Bruihl, Garrett Cleavinger, Brusdar Graterol, Daniel Hudson, Craig Kimbrel, Evan Phillips, David Price, Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia, Mitch White
Catchers (2): Austin Barnes, Will Smith
Infielders (6): Hanser Alberto, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, Edwin Rios, Justin Turner, Trea Turner
Outfielders (2): Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger
Infielders/Outfielders (2): Gavin Lux, Chris Taylor
Injured list (6): Danny Duffy (60-day), Caleb Ferguson (10-day), Victor Gonzalez (10-day), Tommy Kahnle (10-day), Dustin May (60-day), Jimmy Nelson (60-day)
Restricted list (1): Trevor Bauer
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