As the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to move along with workouts and intrasquad games during Summer Camp at Dodger Stadium, the list of players yet to report seemingly grows by the day.
Entering Tuesday’s workouts, the likes of Pedro Baez, Kenley Jansen, Gavin Lux and AJ Pollock were confirmed as not being present for Spring Training 2.0. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts then added Scott Alexander, Tony Gonsolin and Keibert Ruiz to that list when asked if the trio was on hand.
“But those three guys, we expect them back at some point in time soon,” Roberts said. He previously shared the same message with respect to Baez, Jansen, Pollock and Lux. Roberts has not been at liberty to disclose the reason behind any of the absences.
Jansen has twice undergone heart surgery, but has downplayed being concerned about taking part in the 2020 season amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Pollock did admit to having some pause about playing due to his wife recently giving premature berth.
Alexander is diabetic but was informed by doctors he could safely play so long as glucose levels remain at a specific range.
Beyond the absences, the Dodgers also don’t have Jimmy Nelson in camp as he underwent season-ending back surgery. Also seemingly lost for 2020 is David Price, who opted out of playing due to health concerns. Though, the Dodgers believe Price technically is still eligible to play.
Impact of missing Dodgers
Of the Dodgers’ absences, Baez, Jansen and Lux arguably are the most prominent. Baez and Jansen of course are key to the bullpen’s success, and Lux figures to take on a larger role in his first full season with the club.
Pollock was earmarked for a platoon role in left field and theoretically gives the Dodgers another option at designated hitter, but the team is plenty deep in outfielders. Gonsolin is in the conversation to replace Price, but that may very well go to Ross Stripling.
“I think the guys that are not here certainly are going to be behind,” Roberts conceded. “We’ve got to do the best we can to get them up to speed and back into shape. Every day they lose is certainly a day we can’t get back.”
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