Dodgers: Breaking Down the Opening Day 25-Man Roster

Open the gates! It’s finally here. Opening Day 2017 is here, which means Dave Roberts will ink in the 25 who will start the season wearing the sacred blue. The Dodgers are full of stars who’s names are engraved on the active roster, but there were also several intense battles for final roster spots. Despite several outstanding performances, not everyone can make the roster. Here are the winners.

The Dodgers depth provided a myriad of quality players fit enough to fill whatever spot they were competing for. Brandon McCarthy, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Alex Wood, and Scott Kazmir were all battling for the two remaining rotation slots. Meanwhile, there were also battles for who would make the bullpen. In addition, the constant battle for an outfield position as well as utility spots rounded out the competition.

Roberts didn’t have an easy decision in any position, having to send down some names who’ve made impacts in the last few seasons. Not to rejoice over injuries, but injuries to Andre Ethier, Pedro Baez, Brock Stewart, and Scott Kazmir, some decisions were made for Roberts. Lastly, with roster cuts to Trayce Thompson, Bobby Wilson, and Chris Taylor, the roster seems pretty much set.

Starting Pitchers

Clayton Kershaw– duh.

Kenta Maeda– Maeda had a better Spring than Rich Hill which may have helped him move up a spot in the rotation. Maeda’s a righty as well which provides a nice mix up between a lefty-heavy rotation.

Rich Hill- At his age, pitching one spot ahead won’t make much of a difference. Hill proved himself as the Dodgers’ number two, but moving him down a spot may give him slightly more rest. Hill wasn’t as sharp in the Spring, so his 2016 form needs to reappear.

Brandon McCarthy– This was a surprise to some after Alex Wood had an impressive run at the end of Spring Training. However, it makes sense to have McCarthy, a proven starter, begin the season in the rotation. He’s also one of the few right-handed pitchers on the roster, so including him provides balance. If McCarthy can reverse his track record of injuries, he would be a formidable right arm in the rotation.

Hyun-Jin Ryu– The big lefty will be something interesting to watch at the back end of the rotation. Putting him fifth will put less strain on his arm, which has gone through an elbow and shoulder surgery, sidelining him to just 4 2/3 innings in the last two years. However, he was very impressive in his Spring outings, reminiscent of his 2013/14 form.

Relievers

Kenley Jansen– The big man will close up shop again.

Sergio Romo– The ‘Defector From the North’ will likely begin the season in the setup role. He is a former closer, so he’s used to high-pressure situations. Roberts can actually use him like he used Joe Blanton last year, bringing him in to get out of late-inning jams as well.

Grant Dayton– That being said, Dayton could also be used as a setup man if Romo is used before him. This could potentially be a dynamic duo, attacking from left and right to get the ball to Jansen.

Chris Hatcher– The hard-throwing righty really earned his spot in his last few outings. He and Josh Fields looked like they were competing for the same role, but Hatcher was just better this Spring. How long he remains on the roster remains to be seen when Pedro Baez returns from the DL.

Luis Avilan– I think Avilan could be instrumental this season for Roberts. With Baez absent, Avilan may see an increase of appearances and share the workhorse duty with Chris Hatcher. Avilan is unique because he can get both lefties and righties out. Similarly to Ryu, if he can spot his fastball and use his change up to its full effect, he can be a stronghold in the pen.

Ross Stripling– The man who almost threw a no-hitter, showed he still had his stuff this Spring. His curveball looked sharp and his fastball crisp. He will serve as the Dodgers’ long man.

Alex Wood– Apparently not good enough to start, but not bad enough to send down. Wood was ousted to the bullpen after losing out to Brandon McCarthy and Hyun-Jin Ryu, despite a strong Spring. He could serve in a utility role as a long man, specialist, and spot starter.

Catchers

Yasmani Grandal– Who else?

Austin Barnes– Barnes apparently beat out Bobby Wilson for the backup catcher role. This was somewhat expected, despite Barnes hitting .190 in Spring and Wilson hitting .275 with four homers.

Infielders

Adrian Gonzalez– The obvious first choice for first, but he may see more rest this season.

Logan Forsythe– ‘Mr. Do Everything Right’ will likely be Roberts’ favorite player by the end of the season. His versatility and intelligence will keep everything flowing and under control at both second and third.

Justin Turner– Another obvious choice, but will have help.

Corey Seager– At first glance, he’s the first name on the lineup card, but a herniated disk will force Roberts to be cautious with the reigning Rookie of the Year.

Chase Utley– The Dodgers aren’t nearly as good without Utley. What he brings to the table in versatility, talent, and attitude can’t be left behind.

Kike Hernandez– A wrist injury gave some favor to Chris Taylor, but Kike’s ability to play pretty much everywhere, especially center and short, gave him the nod. Taylor outperformed Kike by hitting .370 this Spring, but he was unable to produce an advantage in his defensive versatility.

Outfielders

Joc Pederson– Already a Gold Glove Award nominee, Pederson is due for a breakout season and may have a Silver Slugger nomination lying ahead.

Yasiel Puig– Struck out a lot, but still hit the ball a mile. With Ethier down, the spot in right is his for now. Who knows? Maybe he’ll have a comeback season.

Andrew Toles– What Toles brings as a number eight hitter is too valuable. In a lineup stacked with power and strikeouts, his .306 average in 62 at-bats this Spring is a refreshing sight before the pitcher’s spot. His defense can be somewhat questionable at times, though.

Scott Van Slyke– The beard deserves a shot. Van Slyke will likely see more playing time both in the outfield and at first base.

Franklin Gutierrez– He was brought in to hit left-handed pitching, and he’ll get that opportunity.

Next: Dodgers: Turner Becomes Mr. Reliable

It’s been a roller coaster for some and a cruise for others, but we’ve finally come to the end. No, the beginning. The Dodgers have their pieces set and look stronger than before, as they begin their journey towards October baseball. It’s a big deal to make an Opening Day roster, but players will move in and out of the clubhouse often throughout the season. Though, every Dodger fan is praying this roster remains mostly the same, and that the injury bug goes to Chicago or San Francisco this year.

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