As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare for their Cactus League opener against the Milwaukee Brewers on Feb. 25, their pitchers have started throwing live bullpen sessions to hitters.
In recent days, Clayton Kershaw, Jimmy Nelson, Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone were among the pitchers throwing bullpen sessions as they prepare for the season. Nelson was recently signed to a one-year deal and last pitched during the 2021 season.
On Saturday, Julio Urías and Noah Syndergaard both faced off against hitters, with the southpaw pitching against the newly-signed David Peralta, who is expected to platoon in left field against right-handed pitchers.
Julio Urías on the mound for the first live BP of spring pic.twitter.com/VlWZtBNi6D
— Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) February 18, 2023
Julio Urías live BP vs David Peralta pic.twitter.com/CPkw6UZKGj
— Rowan Kavner (@RowanKavner) February 18, 2023
Noah Syndergaard’s turn pic.twitter.com/ToLjBVHiGA
— Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) February 18, 2023
Urías is heading into an important season for his career as he is likely to further cement himself as the ace of the Dodgers pitching staff, and 2023 is tracking to be his final season before reaching free agency as he looks to earn a large contract after the season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expects Urías to lead the club in innings after coming off a season where he pitched to a 2.16 ERA across 175 innings over 31 starts. He led the National League in ERA and ERA+ (194), and finished third in Cy Young Award voting.
Syndergaard signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers this offseason as he looks to rebound following a solid but unspectacular season with the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies. The right-hander was once one of the top pitchers in baseball before injuries took his career off track a bit.
Syndergaard pitched to a 3.94 ERA in 25 games (24 starts) last season, and he is now focused on re-gaining his elite velocity, which was significantly down in 2022, his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. So far, early indications in camp provide a positive outlook for Syndergaard’s velocity.
Blake Treinen ahead of schedule in recovery
Blake Treinen struggled to remain healthy last season and ultimately underwent right shoulder surgery to repair his labrum and rotator cuff this past November. The initial timetable for a return puts the 2023 season in jeopardy for Treinen.
However, the 34-year-old expressed confidence late last year that he would return and pitch this season. Doing so won’t come without missing multiple months, and Treinen was among the pitchers the Dodgers recently put on the 60-day injured list.
Despite a return this season deemed by many as unlikely, the veteran believes the progress in his recovery has been encouraging and better than anticipated.
If he can return prior to the end of the season, his presence could be a significant boost for a relief group without an established back-of-the-bullpen arm.
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