Phoenix Spring Camp Update

Typically, by this time in the previous two springs, the Dodgers would have wrapped up their camp in Arizona and headed out for their international season opener. However, this year, they still have two weeks left, making their stay at Camelback Ranch feel, well, a bit drawn out and tedious. There’s not much left to keep things interesting.

Manager Dave Roberts candidly remarked last week, “It’s just boring and tiring.” Meanwhile, third baseman Max Muncy chimed in, saying, “We just don’t know what to do with ourselves. But we know how to make sure we’re ready.” As opening day approaches, it’s also a good moment for teams to evaluate their performance during camp, noting who’s stepped up and who hasn’t.

Stock Up

Tyler Glasnow: This year has seen Glasnow shine, especially in a spring where many notable starting pitchers were sidelined due to injuries or the World Baseball Classic. He expressed feeling his mechanics were the most stable they’ve been in four years and solidified that with three impressive outings—striking out 13 batters while walking just two in nine innings pitched. Roberts noted, “He looks as good as I’ve seen him.” It seems like the game might be slowing down for him.

Andy Pages: Pages appeared to be on the verge of a breakout last year with 27 home runs in the regular season but faced challenges in the playoffs. Now, in his third year, he seems motivated by that October experience, showing improved plate discipline and hitting .385 with five extra-base hits over 10 games this spring. Roberts pointed out the impact of last year’s playoffs on Pages, noting, “He just wants to make sure something like that never happens again.”

Freddie Freeman: After recovering from an ankle injury that had been bothering him, Freeman has made a strong impression. Batting .471 with three doubles and eight RBIs in just seven games, he’s also been showcasing his signature reverse-field swing, igniting hopes for a successful 2026 season.

Others: Santiago Espinal seems likely to secure a spot on the opening roster, while Teoscar Hernandez is hitting .440 this spring. Tanner Scott has struck out five batters in four innings without allowing any runs. Additionally, outfield prospects James Thibbs III and Zach Erhard, acquired in last year’s trade for Dustin May, have had promising springs.

Out of Stock

Ryan Ward: After being named MVP in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League last year, Ward looked poised for an opening day roster spot. However, his prospects dimmed with Kyle Tucker’s signing, and he struggled this spring, batting just .156 before being sent to minor league camp.

Edgardo Enriquez: With injuries in the bullpen, Enriquez seemed positioned for a role this spring but continued to struggle with command, allowing seven runs on four walks and two hits in four innings pitched. He’s still vying for a spot but hasn’t taken advantage of his chances.

Alex Freeland: With Tommy Edman’s ankle injury opening up competition for the starting second baseman job, Freeland appeared in contention. However, his swing is still a work in progress, resulting in a .148 batting average this spring, likely sending him back to Triple-A for now.

Please Wait and See

Roki Sasaki: Perhaps the most intriguing player this camp, Sasaki struggled mightily with control during his appearances in the Cactus League. He did show improved performance in a recent B game against minor leaguers, but against them, his splitter was much more effective. He remains a contender for the opening rotation but has much to prove.

Blake Treinen: Following a couple of rough starts, Treinen sat out the last two games, causing concern as he reflects on last season’s struggles. He’s optimistic about bouncing back in 2026, but there’s considerable ground to cover before he can confirm that.

Mookie Betts: After a winter focused on refining his swing, Betts had a decent showing with 5-for-14 but has shown new confidence in his mechanics. Still, due to a more cautious training approach, he has limited appearances in the league this spring and only one extra-base hit to show for it. After a lackluster year in 2025, it’s unclear if he can fully regain his MVP form, and more time is needed to find out.