As spring training gets underway, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves strategizing their starting rotation plans while eagerly awaiting the return of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. The reigning MVP, who has been sidelined from pitching duties since undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in 2023, is slated to rejoin the rotation in May. In the meantime, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman envisions deploying a traditional five-man rotation to navigate the early portion of the season.
Adapting to April’s Schedule
With five off days peppered throughout the month of April, Friedman believes the Dodgers can effectively manage their starting pitching responsibilities without overextending their staff. This temporary five-man arrangement allows the team to capitalize on their impressive depth of rotation candidates until Ohtani is cleared to retake the mound.
Accommodating International Additions
The Dodgers’ projected rotation features a pair of prized acquisitions from Japan in right-handers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki. Both hurlers are accustomed to pitching on an extra day of rest, a routine that Friedman is confident the team can accommodate. “I think we’ll be able to fit whatever schedule makes sense for [Yamamoto and Sasaki],” Friedman remarked. “With the off days and just the depth that we have, we’ll be able to get creative.”
Maximizing Pitching Depth
In addition to Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki, the Dodgers boast an embarrassment of riches in their rotation. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and flamethrower Tyler Glasnow round out a formidable starting five. The club also has seasoned righties Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May vying for spots, with May potentially beginning the year in the bullpen as he continues his comeback from injury. Promising young arms like Bobby Miller and Landon Knack, who combined for 25 starts last season, provide further depth options.
Kershaw’s Extended Absence
One rotation stalwart who won’t factor into the early season plans is Clayton Kershaw. The future Hall of Famer is set to open the year on the 60-day injured list as he recovers from offseason surgery on his left knee and a bothersome left toe that hampered him in 2024. While Kershaw’s leadership and experience will be missed, the Dodgers are well-equipped to handle his absence thanks to their unparalleled pitching depth.
Spring Training Underway
As the Dodgers prepare to kick off spring training with their first full-squad workout on Saturday, anticipation is building for what promises to be another exciting season in Los Angeles. The team will begin their Cactus League schedule on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs, a prelude to their regular-season-opening series against the Cubs in Tokyo on March 18-19.
“With the off days and just the depth that we have, we’ll be able to get creative.
– Andrew Friedman, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations
- Five-man rotation planned for April
- Ohtani expected to return to mound in May
- Yamamoto, Sasaki to be accommodated
- Kershaw to begin season on 60-day IL
While the baseball world eagerly awaits Ohtani’s return to his two-way dominance, the Dodgers are poised to showcase their extraordinary pitching depth and creativity in managing their rotation. With a flexible five-man approach and an abundance of talented arms, the team is well-positioned to navigate the early months of the season until their MVP reclaims his spot on the mound. As spring training unfolds and Opening Day approaches, all eyes will be on the Dodgers as they begin their quest for another World Series title.
