Dodgers Return to Full Roster for Spring Training
PHOENIX –– The Dodgers welcomed their entire team back in camp on Friday, marking the first chance this spring to glimpse what their Opening Day lineup might look like. This comes after many stars were absent last month due to the World Baseball Classic.
The reigning champions showcased the depth of their $400 million roster with a narrow 4-3 win against the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch.
Within the lineup, the Dodgers can tout 6 MVP awards, 33 All-Star appearances, 19 Silver Sluggers, and 8 Gold Glove Awards. Notable players like Kyle Tucker, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, and Will Smith are back after missing the WBC.
Taking the mound is Yoshinobu Yamamoto, last year’s World Series MVP and a Cy Young finalist who is set for the 2026 Opening Day start. This was his first Cactus League game since rejoining the team earlier this week.
“We’ll see,” manager Dave Roberts quipped when he was asked if the lineup he used on Friday would be the same for next Thursday’s opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks. “They’re all good players.”
The main question Roberts faces for Opening Day is who will start at second base. Miguel Rojas played on Friday, but there’s a possibility a left-handed hitter could be chosen for that position against Arizona’s Zac Gallen.
Currently, the team hasn’t finalized which left-handed second baseman will step in. Hyesung Kim and Alex Freeland are the final contenders, and Roberts mentioned that a decision would come by the end of the week.
“It’s one of those decisions where both sides can have input,” Roberts remarked. “I wouldn’t say it’s straightforward.”
Roberts pointed out that Kim hasn’t had much spring action due to WBC obligations. Meanwhile, while Freeland had some promising at-bats, he ended up with just a .108 batting average in Cactus League play.
“There are going to be deeper conversations going on,” Roberts added.
Ultimately, the choice at second base won’t drastically affect the team’s overall prowess.
Yamamoto seemed to be in mid-season form during his last spring preparations. He went five scoreless innings against the Padres, striking out seven while allowing only three singles and one walk. He nodded in satisfaction after racking up 14 strikeouts on a mix of pitches.
“He came out with a purpose,” Roberts noted. “Everything went well, and we were very efficient. We worked through those five innings with ease.”
Will Smith made a strong return to Dodgers camp, hitting a double in the fourth inning. He had slightly struggled at the WBC, going 3-for-13, but felt the experience was worthwhile.
“Those games were a lot of fun,” Smith shared. “You’re playing for your country, and the excitement and crowds make it special. You value those moments.”
Smith’s only wish was for Team USA to succeed, especially after two consecutive years of not reaching the finals.
“It still stings,” he admitted. “But getting my ring shortly after last year’s World Series helps soften the blow.”
In a recent tradition, Dave Roberts named his “Pick to Click” for the season. His selection this year is Andy Pages, who he believes will build on a strong year with 27 home runs last season. Roberts praised Pages for his growth and training focus this spring.
“A few years back, he was the young player who avoided the weight room,” Roberts reflected. “But now, he’s matching up consistently with our star players and has evolved into a skilled major league hitter, not just a slugger.”
The Dodgers are set to conclude their stay in Arizona with an 11 a.m. game against the Athletics on Saturday. Emmett Sheehan will take the mound, but most of the regulars are expected to see limited action.
