As Spring Training winds to close over the next 10 days, the Los Angeles Dodgers not only face looming roster decisions but also final plans to get their players prepared for Opening Day of the 2018 season.
One such decision was made Saturday morning, when manager Dave Roberts announced Clayton Kershaw would start against the San Diego Padres as opposed to pitch in a ‘B’ game. Wheels are also in motion for Kenley Jansen to get his remaining tuneups in.
Jansen made his Cactus League debut March 15 and pitched for just the second time in the St. Patrick’s Day matchup with the Chicago White Sox. From there, the next step is to appear in consecutive games.
“We will see Kenley in a back-to-back before we start the season,” Roberts said. “And we will see a one-plus situation; he’ll get a four-out situation.”
After his 1-2-3 inning against the White Sox, Jansen said he’ll pitch Monday, extend to four outs on Thursday and check off pitching in consecutive games during the exhibition Freeway Series.
On the injury front, Tom Koehler no longer has his right shoulder in a sling. He was diagnosed with an anterior capsule strain, and though progress has been made, the Dodgers do not yet have a timetable for the right-hander’s return.
“He hasn’t picked up a baseball yet,” Roberts said. After suffering the injury at the beginning of March, Koehler said he could be sidelined for weeks or months. He remains focused on contributing whenever he’s able to return.
Meanwhile, Julio Urias is steadily moving along in his recover from last year’s shoulder surgery. Although still not off a mound, he was expected to throw from 120 feet on Saturday.
“His head is in a good place. From what I understand, the training staff says Julio is progressing very nicely,” Roberts said.
Dodgers will be wearing these caps to celebrate the festivities. 🤷🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/Nnuq6P3QdX
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) March 17, 2018
As for a more lighthearted matter, Roberts conceded the green caps the Dodgers wore to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day “clashed” with the club’s blue jerseys and grey pants. “But it makes a statement,” he added.
