For those readers who remain enthused about the Opening Day 25-man roster of the Dodgers, manager Dave Roberts revealed a few more hints as to how his squad will stack up against the Diamondbacks next Thursday.
First and foremost, the team named lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu as the new starter for the opener, replacing ace Clayton Kershaw, who will begin the season on the injured list with problems in his left shoulder. Ryu will be the second Korean pitcher to make an Opening Day start for the Dodgers, as it comes 18 years after Chan Ho Park started the home opener against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 2, 2001.
Coincidentally, Park earned the victory after throwing seven scoreless innings, scattering just five hits and two walks while striking out seven opposing batters.
In other big news, it was revealed that veteran southpaw Rich Hill will begin the season on the injured list. According to Jorge Castillo of The Los Angeles Times, Hill said he “hurt his knee on his fourth-to-last pitch in his start last Sunday. He tested it in a bullpen and felt it again so he underwent an MRI that night. It showed a Grade 1 MCL strain.”
Consequently, it was confirmed that Julio Urias or will take Hill’s spot in the starting rotation. Head boss Andrew Friedman said on Friday that the young lefty will remain in the rotation only until Hill is ready to return.
Furthermore, Roberts stated the Ross Stripling will start the second game of the season next Friday. As a result, the rotation—to begin the season, anyway—will line-up like this: Ryu, Stripling, Kenta Maeda, Walker Buehler, and Urias.
Other players who were told on Friday that they’ll make the Opening Day roster include: Caleb Ferguson, Alex Verdugo, Yimi Garcia and Dylan Floro.
Many close to the team were concerned that Verdugo might have been the odd man out if Brad Miller made the team; however, Miller was granted free agency after he was informed Thursday about his omission from the big league roster.
Stay tuned tomorrow morning as we’ll roll out our final projections and details for the full 25-man Opening Day roster.
Think Blue Planning Committee 
The big question for me starting the season will be if Belli, Taylor, Joc and Muncy will lead the league in K’s this year! It has been one ugly spring so far those four! Van “what’s his name” better start earning his pay!
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Van Morrison?
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Van Halen!
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There ya go!
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More like a van down by the river.
Might take a while. I don’t think this team feels the need to win the Cactus Trophy. Nor will they much care if they aren’t in first place on the 4th of July. Could be the Sloth Angeles Dodgerzzzzzzz…….. for a few months. They’ll turn it on when necessary. I hope.
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Reggie “Van” Gleason? AKA Jackie Gleason.
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Eugenio “Van” Velez
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Jean-Claude……….
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Jean-Claude………
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You guys have no class, it is obviously Vincent Van Gogh, Owe you a eating crow there Scoop. Urias will be in the starting rotation to begin the year, but he will be the first one pulled out of the rotation when either Hill or CK comes back according to Friedman. Only 1 spot left on the roster as of right now. A pitcher will get it. It will not be Gonsolin. He was sick yesterday and could not pitch so Santana took the reins. It looks like it will be a long man since Stripling is also in the rotation. That means either Santana or ol buddy Stewart. Quackenbrain has no shot. AB;s than last year. All those guys need to make better contact and so far what I have seen in spring has not shown me that Von Scoyoc has not helped anyone.
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Farmer sent to the minors by the Reds who look like they are keeping Kemp on the roster unless something drastic takes place. Kimbrel in talks with both the Braves and the Brewers. Lots of players signing extensions.
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Oh yeah, my sis decided she wants to go to a game, so we are going to see the Dodgers-Reds on the 18th. Half price food day and it is a middle of the week day game. Get to see the Wild Horse in Red.
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I don’t think it’s unreasonable to believe Puig will have a better year than any of our outfielders. It will be close between him and Bellinger, though some still see Bellinger as a first baseman. Puig could go ape in that Central Division. One thing is for sure, he will have a better year than anyone we got in trade for him.
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We need to move on from Puig. His own words showed what a selfish crappy teammate he is. Let’s see how long before he starts to wear out his welcome with his new team. He may have some improved offensive numbers because Cincy is a hitters park but remember his defensive numbers were horrible last year. I’d take Pollock and Belli over him any day!
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We already had Bellinger and Pollock plays a different position. I don’t know he was a crappy teammate but I did see him as a self centered hot dog.
And I agree it’s time to move on. That trade looks terrible now, as it did then, but it’s done. We may not miss his 2.7 oWAR – hopefully we find it somewhere else. I won’t be surprised by anything he does in Ohio. The lights aren’t as bright there so it may be easier for him.
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Neither of them has Puig’s arm. And the guy was a stellar defender. One of the best. But he is a Red now. I care less about his past and Puig is not the first player to leave a team and then blast the organization.
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Kike’ officially the starting 2B now over Taylor. Good for him I’m glad to see him lock a spot down. I still think he’s better as a utility guy but he’s been wanting a starting spot for a couple years and he’s been smashing the ball all spring.
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He was not a good defender last year. Check out his numbers. He was terrible -10 Rtz! And admitting you didn’t play hard! That was more than evident to his teammates and coaches who barely tolerated him!
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Everyone should now be rooting for Stetson Allie to make the team. How can anyone root against that hair? Not to mention he’s named after the coolest hat on earth.
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