New MLB seasons typically mean new beginnings. In the Dodgers’ case, eyes land on a redemption season after falling to the Washington Nationals in five games during the 2019 NLDS.
A 60-game season gives the boys in blue an exciting opportunity to return to postseason play and even a World Series appearance.
Player pools had to be submitted to MLB by Sunday, June 28, in which teams can include up to 60 players invited to Spring Training 2.0 and are also eligible to play in 2020.
The Dodgers’ roster currently holds 51 spots that include all players on the 40-man roster, seven that attended Spring Training as non-roster invitees, and four additional players within the club.
While none of their draft picks are on the current roster, there is a slight chance that one could potentially make it (No. 29 overall pick Bobby Miller).
However, it is not a shocker given that the Dodgers are returning nearly the entirety of last year’s roster on their starting rotation, batting lineup, and notable key bullpen arms.
The roster consists of:
Pitchers: Scott Alexander (L), Pedro Báez, Walker Buehler, Gerardo Carrillo, Caleb Ferguson (L), Dylan Floro, Tony Gonsolin, Victor González (L), Brusdar Graterol, Josiah Gray, Michael Grove, Andre Jackson, Kenley Jansen, Marshall Kasowski, Joe Kelly, Clayton Kershaw (L), Adam Kolarek (L), Dustin May, Jimmy Nelson, David Price (L), Dennis Santana, Josh Sborz, Ross Stripling, Blake Treinen, Edwin Uceta, Julio Urías (L), Mitch White, Alex Wood (L)
Catchers: Austin Barnes, Diego Cartaya, Rocky Gale, Keibert Ruiz, Will Smith
Infielders: Matt Beaty, Omar Estevez, Gavin Lux, Max Muncy, Edwin Ríos, Corey Seager, Justin Turner
Outfielders: Mookie Betts, Joc Pederson, D.J. Peters, A.J. Pollock, Luke Raley, Zach Reks, Cody Thomas
Utility: Cody Bellinger, Kiké Hernandez, Zach McKinstry, Chris Taylor
This may be a long list of names to intake and process, but the main thing Dodger fans will notice is the experience in all areas. On top of leadership from reigning NL MVP Cody Bellinger is the return of a potentially healthy Justin Turner, Corey Seager, and the biggest offseason addition in Mookie Betts, who will beef up the offensive lineup and outfield.
With MLB allowing teams to start Spring Training 2.0 with 60 players, this gives a bright opportunity for up and coming players, including reliever Brusdar Graterol, who was originally sent to the Boston Red Sox in the Betts trade but a physical scared them away, leaving him to remain in Los Angeles. According to Baseball America, Graterol is the third-best prospect in the Dodgers’ farm system and 60th in all of baseball. With a fastball topping at nearly 100 MPH and a developing changeup, it is possible that manager Dave Roberts could utilize him in the bullpen this season.
In addition, one potential X-factor is left-handed veteran David Price, who was included in the Betts deal as a salary dump. However, he could play a big role behind Kershaw and Buehler due to his experience and postseason success, which is essential if the Dodgers advance to the playoffs.
Another aspect to watch out for? Those final roster spot battles, since teams will be allowed to carry 30 players when the season begins in late July to give pitchers more time to strengthen their arms.
It is likely that catchers Will Smith and Austin Barnes will take up those spots, along with all returners from last year’s team, Betts, Chris Taylor, and Hernandez. This gives two remaining bench spots, where the Dodgers will likely go with Peters, Beaty, or Ríos.
However, the Dodgers could also fill up their final roster spots with more pitching to add to their solid bullpen, especially with 60 games in 66 days.
Roberts does not plan on using a full-time designated hitter, so he will likely rotate players for rest days, which would also solve the left field issue between Pollock and Pederson.
Here’s my prediction for the Dodgers’ opening day lineup:
Lineup:
- RF Mookie Betts
- 1B Max Muncy
- 3B Justin Turner
- CF Cody Bellinger
- SS Corey Seager
- LF Joc Pederson
- DH AJ Pollock
- 2B Gavin Lux
- C Will Smith
Rotation:
- Clayton Kershaw
- Walker Buehler
- David Price
- Alex Wood
- Julio Urías
One Response
Cody Bellinger is just a utility player now?