With the Los Angeles Dodgers into their second week of Spring Training, pitchers have begun to throw live batting practice on the backfields at Camelback Ranch. Trevor Bauer, Kenley Jansen and Julio Urias being among the latest to do so.
Bauer faced Corey Seager and Will Smith, and had an audience that included Clayton Kershaw and Dustin May. Absent from that was Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, as he instead got eyes on Scott Alexander, Jansen and Urias.
“I thought Julio got his work in, I thought Kenley was exceptional, and I thought Alexander was really good as well,” Roberts said. “Kenley in particular, just the life to the fastball. The command was great, the fastball cut, two-seamer, breaking ball, everything was really on point.”
Jansen is coming off a season in which he remained in the bullpen as Urias closed out Game 6. Jansen also didn’t pitch the night prior, which came after he blew a save against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Roberts nonetheless has consistently voiced confidence in Jansen, including recently when saying he earned the right to remain the team’s closer heading into the season. Roberts did add Jansen would have to pitch to expectations in order to keep his standing.
Ruiz still not with Dodgers
Top catching prospect Keibert Ruiz did not arrive by the report date for pitchers and catchers, and he still has not joined the team in camp due to visa issues. As a result, non-roster invitee Tim Federowicz has filled the void left by Ruiz.
“Still expecting Keibert to arrive but don’t know when,” Roberts said.
Rios continuing to develop
Had the Dodgers not re-signed Justin Turner, it was possible the club was going to initially turn to Edwin Rios. He’s made strides defensively and is continuing to improve.
“Edwin is off to a good start. Looks great. Every year he gets more and more comfortable,” Roberts said. “Have him working at third base, first base, in the batter’s box he’s kind of getting his feet under him but he looks great.”
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