The Los Angeles Dodgers played their final Cactus League game of the year on Wednesday afternoon at Camelback Ranch when they hosted the Cleveland Indians. While Cactus League play concluded, the Dodgers returned to Los Angeles with three exhibition games remaining on the schedule.
They begin a three-game Freeway Series with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, with the first two contests being played at Dodger Stadium on Thursday and Friday. The series then shifts to Anaheim on Saturday, and the Dodgers get one day off before opening the 2016 season in San Diego.
Aside from those who were sent to Minor League camp, not everyone made the return trip to California. As was previously reported to be the case, Howie Kendrick remained in Arizona as he continues to recover from a left calf strain.
Kendrick is tentatively scheduled to play in a Minor League game at Camelback Ranch, and is a candidate to begin the season on the disabled list. Like Kendrick, Hyun-Jin Ryu also did not break camp with the Dodgers.
According to Andy McCullough of the LA Times, Ryu will participate in extended Spring Training:
Hyun-Jin Ryu will stay back in Arizona for extended spring training.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) March 30, 2016
Ryu missed all last season after undergoing surgery in May to repair a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. He progressed well throughout the offseason, but hit a minor bump in the road during camp when soreness temporarily shut him down.
Ryu threw another bullpen session on Wednesday, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated it was the last step before the southpaw faces to live hitters for the first time this spring. While Ryu previously hoped to return by mid-May, he’s on track for a June debut.
