Notes and photos as pitchers and catchers hold their first 2021 workout
By: Rowan Kavner
Tags: Photos, Dodgers, Spring Training, Dave Roberts, Notes

(Photo by Sue Jo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

by Rowan Kavner

Manager Dave Roberts gathered his pitchers and catchers before their first Spring Training workout on Thursday not within the normal confines of the building at Camelback Ranch-Glendale but out near the batting cages, with players spread out and masked. As the Dodgers start a new season looking to defend their crown, many of the obstacles of a pandemic they navigated en route to a World Series title still remain.

But the biggest difference for Roberts was not the location of the team meeting, or the separate clubhouses used to spread players out or any of the protocols teams must adhere to again 2021.

“The biggest difference is no fans,” Roberts said after the first workout from Arizona. “I think the energy was good internally, but you just don’t have that player-fan interaction, which was certainly missed. But guys got their work in. Saw some good (bullpen sessions) today.”

One of the themes of Roberts’ message to his group was how he liked the way the Dodgers handled whatever was thrown their way in 2020 and handled their business in a year unlike any other.

“Now when you look out to 2021, to be mindful of the things that we did very well, that’ll aid in giving us the best chance to get another championship,” Roberts said. “Also the fact that you can’t win a championship in February. Couple things like that.”

Roberts said he’ll be mindful of not keeping his players on the field too long as Spring Training begins. He wants them to work smartly and efficiently in an effort to keep everyone as healthy as possible.

The early portion of spring will be spent primarily getting the players back into the swing of things. He said he doesn’t want to push them too hard, too fast.

All teams are undergoing intake testing as they arrive at Spring Training. Roberts said none of the Dodgers who reported have tested positive for the coronavirus. A couple players, however, were unable to participate on day one.

Pitchers Mitchell White and Joe Kelly are dealing with soreness, while Roberts said Venezuelan catcher Keibert Ruiz is “hung up with his visa,” and the Dodgers are working on getting him to Spring Training.

Here’s more from Roberts after Day 1:

On the challenge moving from a 60-game season back to 162 games: “I think it’s certainly unprecedented for any team to go from 60 games to 162. How players respond, time will tell. But I do think the depth that we have, managing innings as far as on the field playing, managing usage, innings pitched is really important.”

On having seven qualified starters for five spots in the rotation: “You can add Jimmy Nelson to that mix, too, so that makes eight. And I think that’s a good thing. Right now, we’re going to look at it as we have eight viable starters.”

On whether he’d consider using a six-man rotation at some point: “To think about that at the outset, probably unlikely. But it’s not crazy, certainly, given that we really don’t know what to expect from playing 162 vs. 60 games. It is nice to have those eight viable starters. At some point in time, I would expect all those guys to make a start for us.”

On if Walker Buehler will be slow-played during spring again: “He will be more ready than in springs in the past, because he kept throwing throughout the offseason. Appreciating last year, where it was a shortened season, Walker just felt there were a lot of bullets left out there, left on the table. For him to continue to throw in the winter, keep his arm moving, will prepare him best for 2021. He’s done that. Threw a bullpen today and looked very sharp — considerably more crisp than he has in years past in bullpen №1.”

On the bullpen and if there’s a defined closer role: “I believe we’re at our best if Kenley (Jansen) is closing for us. But with that said, we have a lot of great, viable options to finish a game. Right now, that’s kind of where it’s at. Kenley looks fantastic. As I sit here right now, I expect him to close that first game of the season.”