3 Dodgers who might have tough time competing for 40-man roster spot

Even though the Los Angeles Dodgers are lacking depth heading into the 2022 season, that doesn’t mean everyone’s safe from being demoted, traded, or outright released.

Losing Max Scherzer and Corey Seager was a killer, but you’d have to assume there are plans to further supplement the roster so they team doesn’t run into the same issues it did in 2021 when the outfield and corner infield depth was an atrocity. The great Dodgers’ teams from 2016-2020 were built on fearsome depth. Andrew Friedman likely won’t let this happen again.

Expect additions and upgrades after the lockout as well as serious competitions for a 40-man roster spot whenever spring training gets underway. And be sure to keep an eye on a few names who might fall out of favor.

You might see a newcomer, a former top prospect and a decorated veteran shown the door one way or another in a few months. The 2022 season represents a pivotal one for the Dodgers since there are far more difficult roster decisions to make ahead of 2023.

These 3 Dodgers could have an uphill climb to make the Opening Day 40-Man roster.

3. Carson Fulmer

The Dodgers’ Triple-A team selected Carson Fulmer in this year’s minor league portion of the Rule 5 Draft and some thought the Dodgers could work their magic and figure out how to hone the former Vanderbilt star’s skills.

Maybe they can. It’s not out of the question. The right-hander possesses a five-pitch mix and was in the upper percentile for fastball and curveball spin, according to Baseball Savant. Though last year his FIP (4.69) was nearly two points lower than his ERA (6.66, creepy), he didn’t strike out many batters (24 in 25.1 innings) and his 1.52 WHIP was ugly. His ERA+ (72) was bad, too.

Fulmer’s had two seasons with what you could call a considerable workload. He appeared in 20 games last year and 20 in 2019, mostly as a reliever after coming up as a starter. And those campaigns have yielded bad results (6.26 ERA, 6.29 FIP in 2019).

We’re not sure what’s salvageable here. Then again, if any team can determine that, it’s the Dodgers. We just don’t feel comfortable betting on it with all of the names that emerged in the bullpen last year. If they don’t see what they like in spring training, will he be worth a 40-man roster spot? They won’t have to make a snap decision on that because he’s not on the 40-man right now, but we wouldn’t count on him making the jump early on.