The Los Angeles Dodgers will hold their first workout of 2023 Spring Training on Thursday, February 16, when pitchers and catchers report to Camelback Ranch. The team’s first full-squad workout is scheduled to take place four days later.
Pitchers and catchers who are participating in the 2023 World Baseball Classic must report to Camelback Ranch by Feb. 13, and position players are due to arrive by Feb. 16.
That applies to several Dodgers, including Freddie Freeman, who committed to playing for Team Canada. “I talked to Ernie Whitt a few days ago. We’re excited,” Freeman said of participating in the 2023 WBC.
“Six years ago we went 0-3, so I would like that to be different this time. There’s some guys that opted out and we’re going to be young, but I think we’ve still got a good chance.
“I really just want to make it tough on the USA. I’m going to walk in first day with a Canada hat on. Right to Mookie, right to Will Smith, right to Dino, going to walk by Julio and say hello to him. It’s going to be good. I’m looking forward to it.
“I never played winter ball, and in 2017, our first game was against the Dominican. Wow, that was fun. It was 30,000 people in Miami, bells going off. We got beat kind of good, but it was fun. It was an atmosphere you obviously don’t get in Spring Training. It’s a good mix up for us.
“You’re just a little nervous with the ramp-up. Because in Spring Training, you go three innings, four innings, 50 to 55 pitches to get your work done. Maybe you only go 40 (pitches) and throw 20 more in the bullpen. It’s a little bit different for starters.
“As long as everyone has fun and stays healthy, that’s all we can really ask for. Hopefully it’s a good tournament.”
Freddie Freeman found closure from Braves after sending text messages
The Dodgers signed Freeman to a six-year, $162 million contract last year after talks with the Atlanta Braves broke down. The 33-year-old had been vocal about his desire to finish his career with the organization that selected him in the second round of the 2007 MLB Draft.
Freeman was emotional upon returning to Atlanta last June and finally found closure from the Braves after sending a group text to Dodgers teammates.
He went on to enjoy a stellar first season with the Dodgers, batting .325/.407/.511 with 47 doubles, 21 home runs and 100 RBI in 159 games en route to a sixth All-Star Game appearance.
Freeman led the Majors with 199 hits and in doubles, while his on-base percentage and runs scored (117) were tops in the National League. He also ranked second in the league in batting average, on-base plus slugging (.918), wOBA (.393) and wRC+ (157).
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