The Los Angeles Dodgers enter a critical period of team building for a ramp up toward the regular season and due to their trip to South Korea for the Seoul Series, they’re on an accelerated timeline.
With the bulk of the buzz surrounding Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the newest additions to the roster, subtle storylines in Dodgers camp remain key points of focus.
The infield mix with Gavin Lux returning from injury and the shift of Mookie Betts to second base opened up an everyday slot in right field. With the shuffling, Chris Taylor is freed up to maneuver his way around the diamond, which is perhaps his best role.
The Dodgers are also eyeing the group of relievers working their way back, which could create a crowded bullpen, or leave them searching for additional options.
2024 Dodgers Spring Training storylines
Gavin Lux preparation
After resuming baseball activities following a torn ACL and LCL in his right knee, Lux is locked into a presumed starting role at shortstop.
Lux gets a crack as an everyday shortstop, which gets as it’s his natural position. In his last full season, Lux batted .276/.346/.399 with 33 extra-base hits.
Lux has turned some heads early in camp, powering a home run shot off Daniel Hudson.
If Lux is able to regain the form that he had in 2022, his athleticism and left-handed bat have a real ability to contribute in the lower third of the Dodgers lineup.
Dodgers outfield
The signing of Teoscar Hernández provides a powerful punch from the right side while locking him into an everyday role in the outfield.
Hernández appeared in a career-high 160 games in 2023 and considers himself an everyday player. With that approach, the Dodgers should be able to pencil him into left field and even right field on occasion.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes echoed Hernández’s desire to play every day at either corner spot, and that he’ll have a huge role in their roster construction. Manuel Margot and Jason Heyward are a possible platoon pairing in right field, but the former could also lose playing time to Taylor.
Against right-handed pitchers, they could deploy Hernández, James Outman and Heyward. Whereas against left-handers, they have more options. Hernández could slide into right field with Chris Taylor in left, while Margot can man center field as well.
Relievers coming back from injury
Thus far, Blake Treinen has stood out from a trio of relievers aiming to return to the bullpen mix. In a live batting practice session, he was able to strike out Ohtani with his high-velocity mix.
Hudson is also in play to make the roster, with J.P. Feyereisen another name to take note of as well. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts discussed their availability, saying he believes they all could be ready for the start of the season.
“I think the goal is to have them active,” Roberts answered when asked how likely Treinen and Feyereisen are to be included on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster.
“That’s the goal and I’m sure that’s what their goal is. Unless there’s something otherwise that happens, that’s kind of what we’re shooting for.”
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!
