As the Los Angeles Dodgers approach the end of Spring Training, they are preparing for their game against the Cleveland Guardians on March 11, 2025. This game will be the Dodgers’ final Spring Training outing before they head to Japan to face the Chicago Cubs in the season opener. The Dodgers have been busy fine-tuning their roster, with recent cuts and position battles highlighting the competitive nature of Spring Training.
Recent Roster Moves
The Dodgers made their first round of roster cuts following a split-squad sweep, reassigning eight players to Minor League camp. Nick Frasso, who has delivered two scoreless innings with two strikeouts, was optioned due to his presence on the 40-man roster. Other players sent down included Carlos Duran, Julian Fernández, Justin Jarvis, Ryan Ward, Justin Dean, Zyhir Hope, and Josue De Paula. Each of these players had varying levels of success during their time in Spring Training. Frasso and Duran showed promise on the mound, while Fernández improved with a scoreless inning against the Athletics. Jarvis found his rhythm to be solid, and he performed well against the Angels. Dean provided some offense with a double and four walks. Hope displayed impressive hitting consistency, and De Paula added to his strong spring with an RBI double against the White Sox.
Recent Games
The Dodgers have played several games leading up to their matchup against the Guardians. They faced the Rangers on March 6, followed by a game against the Mariners on March 7. They then played the White Sox on March 8, followed by a matchup against the Athletics on March 9. Most recently, they defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-2 on March 10, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivering a sharp performance on the mound. Yamamoto worked five innings, throwing 75 pitches, allowing one run on four hits while striking out seven and walking one. The Dodgers’ offense was led by Freddie Freeman, who had two hits and drove in two runs, while Tommy Edman contributed with two hits and two runs scored. Teoscar Hernández also drove in a run and had a pair of hits, and James Outman hit an RBI triple, showing signs of improvement after struggling earlier in Spring Training.
Upcoming Game Against the Cleveland Guardians
The Dodgers’ final Spring Training game against the Cleveland Guardians on March 11 will be played at Camelback Ranch Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, starting at 1:05 PM. The game will be an essential tune-up for the Dodgers before they head to Japan, where they will face the Chicago Cubs in the season opener. According to the Bet365 sportsbook, the Dodgers are -190 favorites, with numerous other Bet365 betting options in Ohio, Nevada, and online, including player and team props.
Position Battles
During the offseason, the Dodgers signed Korean second baseman Hyesoeng Kim, who is expected to play a significant role at second base. Kim is known for his defensive prowess and speed on the basepaths. He is expected to get reps at second base, potentially impacting the competition for the position. The Dodgers are also still evaluating positions at second base and center field. Tommy Edman is a strong second-base contender, winning a Gold Glove with the Cardinals in 2021 and delivering a clutch two-run home run in the postseason. Kike Hernández offers versatility across multiple positions, and Andy Pages is in the mix for center field after earning a starting role last season.
Final Preparations Before Opening Day
As Spring Training concludes, the Dodgers are finalizing their roster decisions. The active roster will be 26 players, but an extended squad will travel to Japan. James Outman, who has been struggling at the plate, will join the team in Japan, indicating he will likely make the Opening Day roster. Outman’s inclusion suggests that despite his recent struggles, he remains in contention for a starting role.
The upcoming games have been crucial for players vying for spots on the roster. The team’s depth and flexibility provide multiple options, particularly in areas still under evaluation, so the final Spring Training games will be pivotal for securing their places.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Dodgers are nearing the end of their Spring Training, with their final game against the Cleveland Guardians marking a significant milestone before they embark on their international journey. The team is well-prepared, with standout pitching performances and ongoing position battles highlighting their competitive spirit. As they finalize their roster and head to Japan, the Dodgers are poised to begin the season with a strong lineup and high expectations.
