The Los Angeles Dodgers opened Spring Training camp with a clear intention of taking a methodical approach to the shortened period of preparing for the start of the 2022 regular season.
Manager Dave Roberts believed the team would benefit from having a similar experience in 2020, and expressed the most concern for pitchers. Though the Dodgers have also been cautious with Max Muncy in his recovery from a left elbow injury, and Chris Taylor undergoing offseason surgery on his right elbow.
Muncy made his Cactus League debut on Monday, while Taylor had been relegated to starting games as a designated hitter up until Tuesday. Taylor did previously play some innings at second base during a game on the backfields at Camelback Ranch.
Muncy and Taylor are said to be doing well, and Austin Barnes was cleared of having a concussion, but Mookie Betts may not be in the Dodgers lineup on Wednesday due to a stomach illness, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
Injury updates for the Dodgers:
– Mookie Betts is dealing with a stomach bug, might not be in there tomorrow.
– Austin Barnes passed concussion testing, will have a few games off with Will Smith going back-to-back at C.
– Chris Taylor and Max Muncy are both bouncing back well.— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 22, 2022
Barnes hit one of the Dodgers’ three home runs on Monday, but only played three innings against the Chicago White Sox due to feeling lingering effects of taking a foul ball off the mask. Barnes’ absence is going to amount to Will Smith starting back-to-back games.
After going 0-for-1 with a walk and run scored in his first game action since suffering a dislocated left elbow and torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), Muncy said his primary concern was with ironing out swing mechanics. He remains on track to start Opening Day.
Dodgers debuts
After seeing Muncy in the lineup for the first time, the Dodgers are next getting a look at Freddie Freeman making his debut Tuesday. Freeman is starting at first base and batting third in the Dodgers lineup.
Betts had been planned to follow on Wednesday, but it’s possible that may not come until the weekend.
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