With a number of Dodgers players reporting for the very first pitchers and catchers workout of 2019 tomorrow, a handful of topics came up in interviews at Camelback Ranch with the team’s manager, Dave Roberts, and a few of the players as well. Here’s some of the discussion points that came to light with Dodger baseball slowly approaching it’s widely-awaited return:
Dave Roberts stated that Cody Bellinger will not be the team’s go-to guy in center field during the 2019 season. Roberts was quoted saying that the newly acquired AJ Pollock is “going to play center field,” and that Bellinger would spend more time in right field or first base.
Kenley Jansen said in an interview that he had already thrown five bullpen sessions before reporting to Glendale on Tuesday. Jansen also spoke happily about losing weight this offseason, dropping from an XXL in tees to an XL.
Dave Roberts told reporters that the team is “betting on an uptick” of offense from the catching tandem of Austin Barnes and Russell Martin in 2019. However, Roberts said only that “time will tell” on deciding who will get the bigger share of innings behind the plate this season.
Rick Honeycutt, the Dodgers’ pitching coach, is set to miss 1-2 weeks of Spring Training camp after undergoing back surgery today.
Dave Roberts suggested that the team’s game plan will likely feature less platooning than it did in 2018 with the acquisition of AJ Pollock, and the return of Corey Seager.
Russell Martin told reporters that he had to “pinch himself” in excited disbelief that he was back with the Dodgers, after catching a bullpen session with Clayton Kershaw.
Dave Roberts stated that Corey Seager is still on-track to being ready to play shortstop for the Dodgers on Opening Day.
Clayton Kershaw threw a 34-pitch bullpen session with Russell Martin on Tuesday and reportedly has been fine tuning his slider this offseason, looking to feature the pitch more in 2019.