The Los Angeles Dodgers will utilize Camelback Ranch as their alternate training site for the 2021 regular season. The team additionally was considering establishing operations at their Low-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes facility.
Last year the Dodgers set up their alternate training site at USC, taking advantage of the university and its baseball team not being on campus due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
It’s unclear how long MLB will permit teams to operate their respective alternate training sites. They were in place for the entirety of last season, but may only be functional this year until the Triple-A campaign begins in May.
Also undetermined is how many players will be permitted at each alternate site. Last season, teams submitted 60-man player pools. Those who included in a player pool weren’t on the active Major League roster but were able to train at the alternate site and eligible to be called up.
The Dodgers’ group comprised of top prospects, those who narrowly missed being included on the Opening Day roster, and recent draft picks.
A notable difference this year is Minor League Spring Training is set to begin before the calendar turns to April. Unless in camp as a non-roster invitee, lower-level Minor League players have not yet reported to camp.
MLB’s health and safety protocols required such players to wait until Major League teams break camp. The Dodgers’ final Cactus League game is Saturday, when they host the Cleveland Indians.
Dodgers likely to be at alternate site
While complete details have not been finalized, the Dodgers have already indicated Brandon Morrow and Mitch White are among those who will likely spend time at the team’s alternate site. Neither pitcher has appeared in a game or faced hitters in live batting practice.
The Dodgers deliberately are taking a cautious approach with Morrow, who has battled multiple injuries since leaving the team after the 2017 season; and White was slow to get going this spring due to a right shoulder impingement.
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