The Los Angeles Dodgers travel roster for South Korea comprised of 31 players, which included 16 pitchers that were a blend of established contributors, organizational depth and prospects.
Kyle Hurt was among the Dodgers prospects to make the trip to Seoul and it appears that was for more than simply being available in two exhibition games.
“I think as far as three days from now, it’s a very good possibility. Yes,” answered manager Dave Roberts when asked if Hurt was likely to be included on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster for the Seoul Series.
“After that, we’ll make decisions. Nothing is definitive yet, but given the need of the team, his ability to get left and right out, he certainly makes a lot of sense.”
Roberts had previously named Hurt among the candidates under consideration to earn the fifth spot in the Dodgers’ Opening Day rotation, but he appeared to be a long shot and Gavin Stone has since pulled away to likely secure the job.
The Dodgers ultimately view Hurt as a starting pitcher but are intrigued by his potential in a multi-inning bullpen role.
“His ability to be a neutral pitcher versus left, versus right, I think with the construction of our roster, having that swing guy to potentially take down middle innings is of value,” Roberts explained. “But also knowing he can obviously be a starter too.”
Hurt’s status for Opening Day was broached after he retired all seven Kiwoom Heroes batters faced in the Dodgers’ 14-3 win. Hurt punctuated his appearance by fanning the side in the ninth inning to give him five strikeouts in the game.
The 25-year-old now appears to be on the verge of making an Opening Day roster for the first time in his career. Hurt joined the Dodgers last September for his MLB debut, which coincidentally came against the San Diego Padres.
Hurt was named the Dodgers’ Branch Rickey Minor League Pitcher of the Year for the 2023 season.
Kyle Hurt’s Dodgers career
The Miami Marlins picked Hurt in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft but included him along with Alex Vesia in a trade to the Dodgers for Dylan Floro.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
