The first round of Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training roster cuts came after the team’s split-squad sweep on Sunday, as eight players were sent to Minor League camp.
The Dodgers optioned Nick Frasso; and Carlos Duran, Julian Fernández, Justin Jarvis, Ryan Ward, Justin Dean, Zyhir Hope and Josue De Paula were reassigned.
How players are sent to Minor League camp is dependent on whether or not they are part of the 40-man roster. Frasso is, which required him to being optioned. Those not on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster can simply be reassigned.
Regardless of the means, any player sent to Minor League camp remains eligible to participate in Cactus League games. The Dodgers have their first — and only — off day of Spring Training on Monday, then play eight games in a row to finish their Cactus League schedule.
Frasso has two strikeouts over two hitless innings across a pair of Spring Training games (one start) this year. He last pitched on Friday against the Los Angeles Angels.
Duran also has pitched in two games, though both as a reliever, and his most recent appearance was against the Angels as well. Duran has allowed one run and two hits — all of which came to the Angels.
Fernández allowed a combined seven runs in his first two Cactus League games before contributing a scoreless inning in Sunday’s win against the Athletics.
Jarvis also gave up runs in each of his first two appearances but followed that with scoreless innings against the Angels.
Ward has managed just one hit and has eight strikeouts in 16 at-bats over 10 games. Dean has one double, four walks and four strikeouts across 15 plate appearances.
Hope has met lofty expectations as a highly-touted Dodgers prospect and at one point had a three-game hitting streak. On top of encouraging results at the plate, Hope has made highlight-reel catches in both corner outfield positions.
De Paula contributed with an RBI double in the Dodgers’ win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. Overall this spring he’s 4-for-9 with the one double, three RBI and three walks.
Dodgers Spring Training roster
The roster cuts left 59 players still in Dodgers Spring Training as they have less than two weeks remaining before leaving for Japan.
While the Dodgers will need to decide on a 26-man active roster for Opening Day, they will be permitted a taxi squad as well. Like with the Seoul Series last year, the Dodgers are expected to be permitted to take 31 players to Tokyo.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
