Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers and catchers held their first workout of 2021 Spring Training on Thursday, with Walker Buehler, Tony Gonsolin and David Price among those to throw bullpen sessions.
Clayton Kershaw arrived at Camelback Ranch a day after pitchers were due to report, though Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that was expected due to travel challenges out of Dallas. “We expected him to be here at some point in time today,” Roberts said.
He added everyone but Keibert Ruiz has reported, as the catching prospect has been delayed by a visa issue. Roberts did not provide a timetable for when Ruiz may join the team.
In unrelated news, there’s some belief the Dodgers are open to trading Ruiz because of their organizational catching depth.
Ruiz made his MLB debut last season and went a combined 2-for-8 with a home run while appearing in two games.
Kelly, White battling early soreness
Although Roberts downplayed concern, Joe Kelly and Mitch White have fallen behind other pitchers early due to unspecified soreness.
“Joe Kelly is still coming back. He’s not quite there yet, but it’s nothing like a setback or anything like that,” Roberts said. “There was just a little bit of playing catch and his arm got sore on him, so we just want to make sure that we sort of nip it right now. Nothing of real relevance, I just want to be honest.”
Kelly’s tenure with the Dodgers has produced uneven results and a prior instance of injury. He dealt with what Roberts described as general soreness during the final month of the 2019 regular season and into the playoffs.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman shed details following the Dodgers being eliminated, noting Kelly dealt with knee and quad issues that led to arm soreness.
Kelly is entering the final guaranteed year on his contract, which includes a $12 million club option and $4 million buyout for 2022.
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