Dodgers: Storylines to Watch in This Year’s Spring Training

GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 03: Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts looks on during a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch on March 3, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 03: Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts looks on during a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch on March 3, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 24: Scott Alexander /

With Brandon Morrow gone, who will bridge the gap to Kenley Jansen?

The Dodgers bullpen took a hit this off-season when Brandon Morrow left for the Chicago Cubs.  Morrow was a big part of the Dodgers run to the World Series, even though he didn’t pitch well in the World Series.  Last season Morrow cemented himself as the eighth inning setup man to Kenley Jansen.  With Morrow gone, someone will need to step up and win the primary setup man role in spring training.

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The Dodgers did swing a trade for Scott Alexander this off-season although it’s unclear what his role will be.  Alexander is a sinkerballer who is capable of getting right-handed hitters out so he could be the replacement for Brandon Morrow.  If the Dodgers choose to use Alexander as a left-handed specialist then that would open the door for a few other relievers like Pedro Baez and Tom Koehler.

Even though Pedro Baez nose dived at the end of last season he is still a very good reliever and could bounce back strong in 2018.  Speaking of bouncing back, the Dodgers have a pair of often-injured relievers in Yimi Garcia and Adam Liberatore who will throw their names into the bullpen competition.  If Liberatore and Garcia overcome their injuries then the Dodgers bullpen will be even better this season.

Next: Will Logan Forsythe bounce back in 2018?

The seventh and eighth inning roles are totally up in the air this spring, making it the biggest open competition on the team along with the left field job.  Although the bullpen roles are to be decided, whomever the Dodgers fill those roles with will be very good relievers.