Dodgers Spring Training Insights

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — By the time manager Dave Roberts arrived at the Dodgers’ spring training facility on Thursday, Shohei Ohtani had already been in camp for over a week.

“Shohei is amazing,” Roberts remarked.

Roberts also had positive things to say about Yoshinobu Yamamoto and other players who reported early to Camelback Ranch.

However, as the team convenes in the coming days, Roberts anticipates that not everyone will keep pace with Ohtani and Yamamoto, who are gearing up for the World Baseball Classic in March.

In fact, Roberts worries that more players could lag behind than usual.

The days of using spring training to get into shape seem to be over. Nowadays, players often arrive in good condition, thanks to year-round training regimens supported by their salaries. Still, many Dodger veterans are adjusting this year; after two lengthy seasons that extended into October, recovery took priority over training.

“Most of the people I talked to were on the same shows I’ve been on,” Max Muncy shared recently. “I didn’t start baseball activities until mid-January. I try to rest my body as much as possible.”

This situation is a clear example of what people refer to as a World Series hangover—those aftereffects from a long, grueling season. This spring, it will be up to Coach Roberts, often called “Doc,” to navigate this particularly challenging phase, especially given the age of many key players on the roster.

Players like Freddie Freeman (36), Max Muncy (35), and Mookie Betts (33) are all approaching their mid-30s.

Roberts acknowledged, “It’s going to change the growth process.”

He might take a cautious approach in the beginning, potentially limiting how often some players participate during the exhibition season. Both he and pitching coach Mark Pryor could slow the pitching routines for certain players.

“I’m not quite sure what that looks like for individuals, whether it’s young pitchers or seasoned veterans like Freeman,” Roberts said. “It becomes more personalized.”

He plans to have a clearer picture of what this training camp looks like after checking in with his players.

“I think we’re prepared to use all six weeks to get our players up to speed,” he added. “Given the last two seasons, it’s reasonable to say that development will be a slow process for many.”

Blake Snell has already mentioned a desire to take a more measured approach with his arm after dealing with shoulder issues last season. His availability for opening day remains uncertain, and Tommy Edman is easing back into activity after ankle surgery.

Roberts will need to keep an eye on player health throughout the season.

Freeman expressed hope a few weeks ago about participating in all 162 games this season.

“That’s great,” Roberts joked, before shifting focus. “I get that every player wants to be out there for every game, and they should. Freddie’s always done that.”

Yet he added with a hint of reality, “The total number of games remains uncertain. The conservative guess is probably fewer than 162.”

On another note, there are players preparing for the World Baseball Classic: Ohtani, Yamamoto, Will Smith, Edwin Diaz, and Hye-sung Kim.

Roberts believes they’ll play in Cactus League games before heading off to represent their countries, with Yamamoto even possibly starting two games early in the preseason. As Ohtani will be limited to hitting during the WBC, Roberts indicated he won’t pitch for the Dodgers until that event concludes.

Ultimately, whether it’s Ohtani and Yamamoto ramping up for the WBC or Snell and Muncy taking a more gradual approach, Roberts’ main goal is to ensure all players are in shape to compete come October.

The players are fully aware of the stakes. The effects of a championship run can’t be underestimated, and history shows that after the Yankees won three consecutive titles from 1998 to 2000, their regular-season win totals dropped significantly.

“If I want to push for another November run, I need to rest as much as possible during the summer,” Muncy noted, adding that spring training this year feels more like an extended offseason.

That’s what victory demands.