The Los Angeles Dodgers began Spring Training with several players not quite 100% healthy and thus being slow-played as the team looks to defend their World Series title.
Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith, Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech are among Dodgers who have not yet appeared in a Cactus League game. Neither has Brusdar Graterol, but that was to be expected as he faces a prolonged recovery after undergoing right shoulder surgery.
Phillips and Kopech similarly are question marks for the Tokyo Series and Dodger Stadium opener as well. Meanwhile, Freeman, Ohtani and Smith are each nearing the point of being in the Dodgers lineup for their respective first action of spring.
Dodgers player updates
Freddie Freeman
Freeman needed right ankle surgery that until Thursday had prevented him from starting a running progression. Freeman to that point had been limited to running on an anti-gravity treadmill at 80% of his bodyweight.
“He ran yesterday and came in today feeling good,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Friday.
“I see next week as a good possibility to get him into a game. I don’t know when. Next week is broad, I understand that, but he’s trending in the right direction.”
Roberts echoed Freeman’s stance of expecting to be fully recovered in time for the Tokyo Series.
Shohei Ohtani
While the Dodgers have ruled out Ohtani from pitching in Spring Training, he’s expected to soon resume his duties as designated hitter.
“Shohei is going to take some live at-bats today. I don’t know if it’s going to be off the Trajekt machine that we have or off a pitcher,” Roberts said.
“That’s good to hear that he’s ready. It’s going to happen soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if late next week he’s out there as well.”
Will Smith
Smith, who has dealt with a nagging right ankle injury since last season, also is on the verge of making his 2025 debut within the next handful of days.
“Will, ankle is coming along. I’m expecting end of next week, so a little less than a week. Something like that,” Roberts said.
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