The Los Angeles Dodgers have been officially in spring training camp for one week, and have played four games. Played new and old are getting their bodies and minds ready for the grind of 162.

Some early stories are emerging about injuries previously known and unknown. On Monday, Chris Taylor divulged that he had been dealing with a bunch of bone chips and loose pieces in his right elbow. He felt the issue more when swinging the bat and not throwing, and it had bothered him more first thing in the morning and not during games.

He had a clean up procedure in November and while he feels 100%, he is still building up stamina in that arm. He has been only been in games as the designated hitter and should have his first game in the field on Thursday.

Also on Monday, Max Muncy played in his first game since tearing the ligaments in his elbow in the last game of the regular season last year. After he was finished, he told SNLA’s Kirsten Watson that he was excited to be back in the lineup. He also stated that everything is moving in the right direction as far as his elbow is concerned, and everything with the left arm and elbow are continuing to improve. He struck out once and walked in his two at bats.

Freddie Freeman will see his first Spring Training action on Tuesday. While he has been doing drills with the team, he has been busy doing all the photos and interviews and necessary evils that come with joining a new team.

Mookie Betts will play in his first game on Wednesday. The All-Star right fielder does not like to play in a lot of games leading up to the regular season. He has stated that the bone spurs in the hip that had bothered him last season are gone, and he is feeling 100%. “I did some work on it and I’m ready to go”, he told reporters last week.

Caleb Ferguson pitched for the first time in a game on Monday since September 15, 2020. He retired the first two batters on seven pitches, walked the next batter, and then struck out the last batter on a total of 19 pitches. Ferguson has been recovering from Tommy John surgery, and told reporters Monday morning that he feels ready and has been bouncing back well.

Utility man Hanser Alberto, signed by the Dodgers over a week ago, has not reported to camp yet as he is dealing with a visa issue. As such, the deal has yet to be made official and he is not yet on the 40-man roster.

Lastly, Brusdar Graterol looks ready for the season. The big reliever continues to just throw fire without looking like it extols any energy. He should be a very valuable asset to the bullpen this season.