Dodgers: 25-Man Roster Predictions After Week 1 of Spring Training

Opening Day is less than a month away, and the first week of Spring Training has passed. As Spring Training continues, let’s take a look at a preliminary projection of what the Dodgers’ 25-man roster will look like when the season starts.

Sure Ins (20)

C- Yasmani Grandal, C- Austin Barnes, 1B- Adrian Gonzalez, 1B/OF- Scott Van Slyke, 2B/3B- Logan Forsythe, 2B- Chase Utley, 3B- Justin Turner, SS- Corey Seager, OF-Joc Pederson, OF- Yasiel Puig, OF- Andre Ethier, OF- Andrew Toles.

SP- Clayton Kershaw, SP- Rich Hill, SP- Kenta Maeda, RP- Kenley Jansen, RP- Sergio Romo, RP- Grant Dayton, RP- Luis Avilan, RP- Adam Liberatore.

Players Pending Recovery

OF- Trayce Thompson, SP- Scott Kazmir, SP- Brandon McCarthy, SP- Hyun-Jin Ryu

Sep 23, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Scott Kazmir (29) pitches during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

All of the players above may find their way onto the roster by Opening Day if their roads to recovery go well. Thompson is set to make his debut this week, along with Hyun-Jin Ryu. Scott Kazmir wasn’t impressive in his inning and two-thirds, giving up two runs and two walks. Brandon McCarthy was his regular self in his two innings of work. He gave up a two-run home run to Paul Goldschmidt then proceeded to retire the next five batters, a common outing for McCarthy.

Players Pending Injury

SP- Pedro Baez

Baez was shut down again on Saturday due to hand pain. He was struck by a ball during batting practice in late February.

Players Pending Performance

INF- Charlie Culberson, INF- Chris Taylor, 1B/OF- Rob Segedin, OF- Franklin Gutierrez, UTIL- Enrique Hernandez, P- Alex Wood, P- Brock Stewart, P- Ross Stripling, RP- Josh Ravin, RP- Josh Fields, RP- Chris Hatcher

Culberson leads the team in total at-bats so far in Spring Training. Chris Taylor is also trying to compete for the utility infielder position. Since Forsythe can play both second and third, there may only be one spot for the two of them. Rob Segedin is off to a hot start which may land him a spot as Adrian Gonzalez’s backup.

More from Dodgers Way

Gutierrez, on the other hand, is 0-13 to start his tenure with the Dodgers. In a crowded outfield, it seems unlikely he will get a spot to start the season. Kike Hernandez is also off to a bad start, collecting only three hits in 16 at-bats. Kike’s versatility and right-handed bat could be vital for the Dodgers down the stretch, but his struggles the past year won’t help his situation.

Alex Wood is looking decent enough to perhaps earn him a spot in the bullpen. As for the rest, the numbers and performances look bleak. The best of the bunch is Ross Stripling who gave up three runs in three innings. However, numbers go as bad as Josh Fields’ 33.75 ERA in an inning and a third. Still, it is only the first week of Spring Training and some of these arms were dependable last season, so their names may be on the roster as well this year.

Julio Urias

Julio Urias deserves to be on the roster, but may not end up being on it so the Dodgers can protect his arm. With so much depth, the Dodgers don’t need to force Urias to pitch a full season.

Players Who May Steal a Spot

1B- Cody Bellinger, OF- Tyler Holt, OF- Alex Verdugo, P- Yaisel Sierra, P- Trevor Oaks

Cody Bellinger is living up to his hype as the Dodgers’ number one prospect. He hit a mammoth of a home run this past week and is hitting .313 in 16 at-bats. He’s good, but it will probably won’t be until September when he joins the squad. Flamethrower Yaisel Sierra was also impressive in his four innings, striking out three, and giving up none. Trevor Oaks has also been impressive in four innings, striking out five. These arms may replace the struggling ones previously mentioned.

Next: Expectations From Players on Road to Recovery

Predictions for Final Five Spots

INF- Charlie Culberson, SP- Scott Kazmir, SP- Brandon McCarthy, P- Alex Wood, RP- Josh Ravin.

Home/LA Dodgers News