Dodgers Briefing: 2021 schedule, Bellinger's mask advice, waiting on Kenley

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 08: Austin Barnes #15 of the Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Catching you up on the latest news about the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Hey, Dodger Fans!

Opening Day is only 13 days away. Let’s get you caught up on the latest news.

1. MLB releases preliminary 2021 Dodgers schedule

We haven’t even started the 2020 season, and Major League Baseball has released the preliminary schedule for the 2021 season.

Opening Day: For the first time since 1968, every team will open the season on the same day: April 1, 2021. The Dodgers will start on the road against the Colorado Rockies. It will mark the first time the Boys in Blue will start away from Dodger Stadium since 2016. They will play a four-game set with the Rockies before traveling to Oakland for three more games, and finally returning home.

Home Opener: The Dodgers first home game of the 2021 season will be against the Washington Nationals on April 9.

Key match-ups: We can only hope the conditions are safe enough for fans to return to the stands next season. While the Dodgers are set to host the Houston Astros this season, the real date to circle on people’s calendars is August 3-4, 2021, when the *Astroisks arrive at Chavez Ravine in what could be the first opportunity for fans to voice their displeasure for the events that cost the Dodgers the 2017 World Series.

American League West: Just like this year, the Dodgers will face the AL West for interleague match-ups in 2021. They will travel to Houston on May 25-26. They are also set to play on the road in Seattle on April 19-20. The Mariners will come to Los Angeles on May 11-12. The Texas Rangers will also make a trip to LA on June 11-13.
Freeway Series: The Dodgers face the Angels in Anaheim on May 7-9, with the Halos coming to Dodger Stadium on August 6-8.

Full Schedule: You can check out the entire 2021 schedule here.

PEORIA, ARIZONA – MARCH 09: Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

2. Cody Bellinger says delayed start ‘could be blessing’

Rocking a white t-shirt and overgrown hair from quarantine, the 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger spoke to the media via Zoom on Thursday.

Wear your mask: Bellinger talked about wearing a mask in Arizona once conditions got worse there. He then dropped a great line about wearing masks.

“If your breath stinks, it sucks. But it makes you brush your teeth more.”

Ready to play: Bellinger said he already feels physically ready to play. He also noted how he used the extra time off to work on his swing (like he needs much improvement).

“I really got to work on my swing. I feel really good, and it could be a blessing in the long run.”

Camelback Workouts: Bellinger said he was working out with Kiké Hernandez, Max Muncy, and Matt Beaty everyday in Arizona during quarantine. He noted it was difficult working out with a mask, but felt fortunate to have access to Camelback to stay prepared for the season.

Building off 2019 performance: The young left-handed hitter had a season for the record books in 2019. He finished with the third highest single-season home run total (47) in franchise history, behind Shawn Green (49) and Adrian Beltre (48). He also became the fifth player in Dodger history to win the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards in the same season.

Through 60 games: If you are looking for a short-season MVP candidate, look no further than Bellinger. Last year, through 60 games, he hit .370 with 20 home runs and 54 RBIs.

17 is the mark: During his interview on Thursday, Bellinger noted teammate Alex Wood predicted 17 home runs would lead the way this season, which seems like a reasonable target for the reigning Silver Slugger.

New Batter’s Eye: Max Muncy injured his finger on a pitch he couldn’t see due to the new batter’s eye at Dodger Stadium from the recent renovations. Bellinger noted that it has been a problem. The team is reportedly working with players to find a solution.

“[The batter’s eye] is a little low,” Bellinger said. “And the seats weren’t blocked off, so if there were fans there, the pitcher’s arm could potentially come out of those stands.”

Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

3. Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen is still missing from camp

While the Dodgers continue to put on an optimistic face, closer Kenley Jansen is still missing from summer camp for reasons not specified by the team. With the current health crisis, it’s easy to speculate Jansen’s delay in arriving to camp is related to Covid-19, but nothing has been confirmed.

Dave Roberts confident Jansen will be ready: The manager of the Dodgers believes his closer will be ready for the season.

“I talked to Kenley [on Thursday], he is in really good spirits, feeling good, expect to see him soon, he’s been moving around, so I think he’ll be ready.”

Roberts admitted that Opening Day is quickly approaching (it is less than two weeks away), but still thinks Jansen has time to get into game shape.

“Obviously every day off the calendar we don’t see them certainly makes it a little bit more difficult, but I’m still confident we have enough time.”

Bullpen depth: With all the attention on the Dodger closer, let’s not overlook that set-up man Pedro Baez is also missing from camp for undisclosed reasons. That means it’s possible the team will start the season without their two most reliable bullpen arms during a time when the bullpen will be counted on more than ever as starters stretch out their arms.

Next. 3 options to fill in for Kenley Jansen. dark

Who would be the closer if Jansen isn’t ready: potential closing optionsI wrote an in-depth piece yesterday about to fill the gap if Jansen is not ready on Day 1. As a preview, I would expect the team to look to veteran options Blake Treinen or Joe Kelly to take on the duties, but don’t be surprised if they try out a more exciting option in a young prospect arm, such as Dustin May (wouldn’t that be fun?)

4. Dodgers intra-squad game

The Dodgers played another intra-squad game at Dodger Stadium on Thursday.

The Dodgers won 4-1 (technically, this means the Dodgers also lost)
Corey Seager keeps hitting. After going 2-2 on Wednesday, the Dodger shortstop went 3-3 last night with two doubles.
Justin Turner looked like he could have been upset with the new batter’s eye after striking out in one at-bat.

With MLB players following social distancing guidelines, after Will Smith connected on a home run, you can see him celebrating with “air” high fives.

That does it for today. Please check back tomorrow for the next Dodgers Briefing!

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