Dodgers Briefing: Kenley Jansen returns as Chico makes a cameo

3. Clayton Kershaw looks ready for the season to begin

The Dodgers are putting Ace Clayton Kershaw on schedule to start the opener in less than two weeks. While their opponent, the Giants, are easing their starters into the season by keeping their pitch counts around 40, Los Angeles is quickly building up Kershaw’s workload. After throwing 73 pitches in his last start, Kershaw reached 91 pitches last night.

Looking good: Kershaw struck out eight batters while allowing three earned runs and spreading eight hits through 5.1 innings on Sunday. His offspeed stuff was falling into the strike zone. He looks ready to go, already.

4. Edwin Rios continues to rake

Look out for this man on the Dodger bench this season. Edwin Rios hit his third home run of the week last night.

Pinch-hitting role: With the designated hitter, the Dodgers will likely carry 14 position players to start the season (they are allowed to carry 30 players, in total, for the first two weeks). Rios should be cementing himself as a left-handed pinch-hitter who can change the course of a game with his power swing. Last season, he came off the bench to hit two pinch-hit home runs in 14 at-bats.

5. Max Muncy is slowly recovering from a finger injury

The new batter’s eye at Dodger Stadium took an early casualty in Max Muncy. The first baseman had trouble picking up an inside pitch and got hit on his left ring finger last week. He has been working on his swing, but he still can’t grip a baseball comfortably. However, manager Dave Roberts seems confident Muncy will be ready for the opener.