Los Angeles Dodgers baseball is back. (Mostly)
Pitchers and catchers reported to Camelback Ranch on Tuesday and they were joined by a few others that were eager to get back onto the field.
Alanna Rizzo provided some great footage of players coming into the facility and some hitters getting some BP in:
Here are the news and notes from Day 1:
Clayton Kershaw Named Opening Day Starter
Duh.
Matt Kemp is Still a Dodger
There was a lot from Kemp on Day 1 so here’s a summary courtesy of SportsNet LA:
Matt Kemp talks about being traded to the #Dodgers, his offseason routine coming into spring training and more. pic.twitter.com/tTfD6K4Yrh
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) February 14, 2018
Also, Kemp cleared the air on his “baseball town” comments from 2016.
Kershaw speaks on Yu Darvish, World Series Loss
After caping for Darvish’s return in the offseason, Kershaw spoke on the right-hander’s decision to join the Chicago Cubs via Andy McCullough of the LA Times:
Clayton Kershaw on Yu Darvish: “I wish he had gone somewhere in the American League. I guess we’ll just have to beat him now.”
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) February 13, 2018
It was clear Kershaw wanted Darvish back and he’s definitely right in feeling upset that he went to a direct competitor for NL supremacy.
The Dodgers’ ace also tried to express his feelings on coming one game short of a title:
Clayton Kershaw, on if he’s gotten over the World Series: “I don’t really take something and move on. I just kind of absorb it.”
Is that healthy?
“I’m not sure. I’ll let you know, if I explode at some point.”
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) February 13, 2018
If you though Kershaw was focused before, let’s see this season.
Andrew Toles Taking His Time
Andrew Toles will be slightly behind schedule among the outfielders this spring. The team wants to give him plenty of ABs, likely some on the minor-league side.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) February 13, 2018
This could remedy the left field situation for a bit if Toles needs to take it slow and start the year in the minors. With Joc Pederson, Kiké Hernandez, possibly Matt Kemp and others fighting for time, Toles can take his time and make sure he’s fully recovered before returning.
Chase Utley Back
Dodgers Sign Brian Schlitter to Minor-League Deal
Looks like pitcher Brian Schlitter has a locker in the Dodgers clubhouse
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) February 13, 2018
Schlitter signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers. Total of 62 players in camp (or will be by Saturday)
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) February 13, 2018
Schlitter has pitched for the Cubs in three different seasons (2010, 2014-2015), racking up a 5.40 ERA, 4.26 FIP and 1.909 WHIP in 78 games (71.2 innings). It’s more a depth/flyer move.
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