Los Angeles Dodgers News

Clayton Kershaw • SP • Dodgers

Clayton Kershaw To Face Hitters On Saturday

Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw (knee, toe) said he will face hitters on Saturday for the first time since having surgery on his left knee and left big toe, according to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya. Kershaw remains on the same timeline and said he wants to be pitching in games (rehab or otherwise) around the end of May. In what will likely be his final big-league season of a Hall of Fame career, Kershaw is just hoping to be available for the Dodgers to close out the season, so he won't rush his rehab at all after dealing with various injuries the last several seasons. The three-time Cy Young winner and 10-time All-Star was able to make only seven starts in 2024 and posted a career-worst 4.50 ERA (3.53 FIP) and 1.50 WHIP with 24 strikeouts and nine walks in his 30 innings. Kershaw's workload will be managed upon his return, whenever that is, and he'll be a major dice roll in fantasy.

9 hours ago

Will Smith • C • Dodgers

Will Smith Taking A Seat On Friday

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith will retreat to the bench on Friday against the visiting Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium. Austin Barnes will do the catching for right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto and will bat ninth against Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty. Smith will get the day off on his 30th birthday. The veteran backstop has gotten off to a solid start to his 2025 campaign by going 3-for-7 with a double, RBI, a league-leading five walks and two runs scored in three games played. While he's not an elite fantasy catcher, Smith is as steady as they come and is in the best lineup in baseball. Expect him to return to action on Saturday against the Tigers. Barnes has very little offensive upside and should be avoided in DFS. He hasn't recorded a hit in just three career at-bats against Flaherty.

9 hours ago

Blake Treinen • RP • Dodgers

Blake Treinen Earns Save On Thursday

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Blake Treinen got the call in the ninth inning to seal the victory against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. Treinen allowed a leadoff single to second baseman Gleyber Torres. He then struck out Riley Greene for his first out. However, he then walked Spencer Torkelson. Treinen was able to bounce back and retire the next two batters, one with a strikeout to seal the victory. Earlier in the offseason, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed that Tanner Scott would be the primary closer. However, through their first three games, Scott has earned just one save, with Alex Vesia and Treinen earning the others. In Thursday's contest, Scott entered the game in the eighth inning. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor how the Dodgers deploy their high-leverage relievers. However, given the elite offensive firepower in Los Angeles, both Scott and Treinen could have value in standard formats, even if they share save opportunities.

16 hours ago

Max Muncy • 3B • Dodgers |

Max Muncy • SS • Athletics

Max Muncy Quiet In MLB Debut

Athletics second base prospect Max Muncy got the starting nod on Opening Day but went 0-for-3 at the plate. Muncy was able to earn a spot on the roster given his strong play in camp and due to Zack Gelof (wrist) opening the season on the IL. In Thursday's contest, Muncy struck out twice. In spring training, the 22-year-old posted a .282/.383/.385 slash line with a 6:11 BB:K. Last summer, the former 25th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft spent most of his time at the Triple-A level. Across 50 contests in Las Vegas, Muncy posted an impressive .277/.374/.491 slash line with 11 doubles, eight long balls, and four stolen bases. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his development as he could become the No. 1 second baseman while Gelof is sidelined. Luis Urias and Max Schuemann could also compete for starts.

18 hours ago

Teoscar Hernández • LF • Dodgers

Teoscar Hernandez Hits A Three-Run Home Run In Dodgers' Win

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez connected on his first home run of the season in the Dodgers' home opener on Thursday night and helped power his team to a 5-4 victory over the visiting Tigers. Hernandez's home run came in the fifth inning off AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. Hernandez hit the first pitch he saw in that at-bat from Skubal over the center field fence to turn a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead for the Dodgers. Hernandez is just 2-for-12 (.167) in his three games this season, but his first home run was a meaningful one for Los Angeles. He remains a strong power option in the outfield and should continue to thrive in the Dodgers' productive lineup.

21 hours ago

Shohei Ohtani • DH • Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani Homers In Home Opener

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani went 2-for-4 with a home run, an RBI, and a pair of runs scored in the Dodgers' 5-4 win over the Tigers on Thursday night. His home run proved to be a necessary insurance run after he tacked it on in the seventh inning off Tigers relief pitcher Brenan Hanifee. Ohtani hit his first homer of the season in the Tokyo series and is off to a strong start as he looks to follow up his monster season last year with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases. He hasn't attempted a stolen base yet this season but is 5-for-12 (.417) with three extra-base hits and a .606 wOBA in the very small sample size. So far this season, Ohtani looks ready to pick up right where he left off as the most productive slugger in baseball.

21 hours ago

Enrique Hernández • 3B • Dodgers

Enrique Hernandez Could Be Available Off Bench Friday

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Enrique Hernandez (illness) could be available off the bench on Friday, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. He was unavailable for Thursday's contest and has been ruled out of starting on Friday, but manager Dave Roberts said his bench availability for Friday is to be determined. He already got off to a hot start in the Tokyo Series, launching a home run and driving in three runs in the Dodgers' March 18th victory over the Cubs. He figures to be a useful platoon player against left-handed pitchers but will only be fantasy-relevant in the deepest of leagues.

Yesterday

Mookie Betts • SS • Dodgers

Mookie Betts Starting In Dodgers Home Opener

As expected, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (illness) is starting at shortstop and is batting in his customary No. 2 spot for the team's home opener at Dodger Stadium against the Detroit Tigers and left-hander Tarik Skubal. Betts didn't play in the season-opening two-game series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19 in Tokyo, Japan, due to a pretty serious illness that caused him to lose almost 20 pounds. The 32-year-old former MVP was able to return to the team's exhibition game on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels, though, going 0-for-3. Betts should be locked into fantasy lineups in season-long leagues despite the fact that he's facing the reigning American League Cy Young winner, but those playing DFS will probably want to avoid Betts as he tries to regain his strength following a multi-week illness. Betts has never faced Skubal in his career.

Yesterday

Michael Conforto • LF • Dodgers

Michael Conforto Out Against Lefty On Opening Day

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Michael Conforto is out of the starting lineup on Thursday for the team's home opener at Dodger Stadium against the visiting Detroit Tigers with left-hander Tarik Skubal on the mound. Andy Pages will instead make the start in left field and will bat ninth versus the reigning American League Cy Young winner. Conforto will most likely find himself on the bench against tough southpaws in his first year in LA. In the team's two-game series in Tokyo, Japan, against the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19, Conforto went 2-for-7 with a double, a walk and two strikeouts. In his career, the 32-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has hit .232/.313/.391 with a .705 OPS against lefties, as opposed to a .257/.359/.479 slash line with an .839 OPS against right-handers. With Pages in left field, veteran infielder Miguel Rojas is starting at second and batting eighth for the Blue on Thursday in L.A.

Yesterday

Mookie Betts • SS • Dodgers

Mookie Betts Plans To Play On Opening Day

Los Angeles Dodgers infielder/outfielder Mookie Betts (illness) expects to play on Opening Day. Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reported that Betts needed to get through Tuesday's contest before committing. He started at shortstop and did not face any setbacks during the contest. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status, but it appears the 32-year-old will be in the starting nine on Thursday when the Dodgers host the Detroit Tigers. Last season, Betts posted a stellar .289/.372/.491 slash line with 24 doubles, 19 home runs, and 16 stolen bases. He generated an elite .356 xwOBA and .282 xBA, which placed him in the 90th and 92nd percentile, respectively. He also posted an excellent 11.0 percent strikeout rate and an 11.8 percent walk rate. When healthy, he will likely bat in the two-hole behind Shohei Ohtani.

2 days ago

Mookie Betts • SS • Dodgers

Mookie Betts Back In Lineup On Tuesday

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (illness) is back at shortstop and is hitting second for Tuesday's exhibition game against the crosstown-rival Los Angeles Angels. Betts fell ill just before the Dodgers departed for Tokyo, Japan, and missed both of their wins against the Chicago Cubs last Tuesday and Wednesday. Although the 32-year-old former MVP reportedly lost around 20 pounds due to the illness, he's been feeling better of late and is giving it a go in the team's final exhibition game before their home opener this Thursday against the Detroit Tigers. It remains to be seen how effective Betts will be on the field, but he should be in the starting lineup on Thursday and in all starting fantasy lineups as well against lefty Tarik Skubal, the reigning American League Cy Young winner. In 11 Cactus League games, Betts went 6-for-25 (.240) with a homer, three RBI and three runs scored.

3 days ago

Mookie Betts • SS • Dodgers

Mookie Betts Works Out Monday, Optimistic About Playing On Tuesday

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (illness) was able to keep food down on Monday and also worked out at Dodgers Stadium, according to manager Dave Roberts. Betts is optimistic that he will play in the final Freeway Series game on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels after sitting out on Monday. The 32-year-old eight-time All-Star and former MVP has been sick since before the Dodgers departed for Tokyo, Japan, for a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs last week. Not only did he not play in any games in Japan, he lost nearly 20 pounds and was sent home early after not being able to keep any food down. While it sounds like Betts is feeling better, it could take him a while to work his strength back and regain weight. If he returns to Tuesday's exhibition lineup, Betts will likely be available on Opening Day, but he could be eased into the start of the regular season.

4 days ago

Shohei Ohtani • DH • Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani To Throw On Saturday

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (elbow, shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday. This will be the first time that Ohtani has thrown since Feb. 25. The Dodgers have been slowly bringing him along, so it's unclear exactly when he'll get back on the mound in game action. Ohtani is going to serve as the DH to begin the season, but it shouldn't be too long before he's mixed in for starts as well. The two-way superstar didn't pitch at all in 2024 in his first year with the Dodgers after having Tommy John surgery.

4 days ago

Mookie Betts • SS • Dodgers

Mookie Betts Out Of Monday's Lineup

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (illness) remains out of the team's lineup for Monday's exhibition contest against the crosstown-rival Los Angeles Angels. Veteran Miguel Rojas is at the 6 and will bat eighth for the Blue. Betts came down with an illness shortly before the Dodgers left for Tokyo, Japan, for a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs that was played last Tuesday and Wednesday. The 32-year-old didn't play in either game against Chicago and has reportedly lost almost 20 pounds while being unable to keep food down. There's no word on whether he'll be in the team's Opening Day lineup this Thursday against the visiting Detroit Tigers, but fantasy managers should at least be a little concerned about Betts' health for the start of the season. Rojas should continue to fill in at short, but if this turns into a long-term absence, Tommy Edman would be an option to see playing time in the infield as well.

4 days ago

Mookie Betts • SS • Dodgers

Mookie Betts Has Dropped Weight Due To Illness

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (illness) has said he is down to 157 pounds due to the illness he is experiencing that kept him from traveling with the team on March 18 and 19 to Tokyo, Japan, where the Dodgers took on the Chicago Cubs in a two-game series. The 32-year-old veteran has mentioned his frustration with the illness, stating that he is fine but is struggling to keep food and drink down. The loss in weight is undoubtedly concerning, and fantasy managers will want to continue to monitor his progress as Opening Day begins in a few days. The Dodgers may want to play this slowly and allow him to continue to rest and get his strength up before having him return to the lineup. In Betts' absence, Miguel Rojas was filling in at shortstop for the Dodgers in their two-game series against the Cubs. Expect Rojas to continue to see action at shortstop if Betts continues to miss time.

4 days ago

Blake Snell • SP • Dodgers

Blake Snell Starting For The Dodgers On Thursday

Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell is getting the nod to start their home opener on Thursday, March 27, as the Dodgers face off against Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers. The matchup is poised to be good, as two outstanding southpaws and Cy Young-winning pitchers will face off. Last season, Snell went 5-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 104 innings pitched with the Giants. It was a solid campaign for Snell, who owned an incredible 12.55 K/9. He will look to stay healthy this year, as he dealt with a handful of injuries last year, preventing him from getting his full workload. Snell's metrics are off the charts, with most ranking in the 80th percentile or higher, but his 10.5% walk rate always leaves room for improvement. Fantasy managers can confidently start Snell. He is one of the most electric pitchers in the game and is backed by a potent offense.

4 days ago

Max Muncy • 3B • Dodgers

Max Muncy Makes A’s Opening Day Roster

Athletics infield prospect Max Muncy has made the Opening Day roster. Muncy is considered the No. 7 best prospect in the system on MLB Pipeline. The former 25th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft spent most of the 2024 campaign at the Triple-A level and will now make his MLB debut. Last summer, Muncy posted a solid .277/.374/.491 slash line with 11 doubles and eight home runs across 50 contests. During this stretch, the Thousand Oaks HS product swiped four bags and held an 18:50 BB:K. During spring training, Muncy posted a .289 AVG with one round-tripper. With top second baseman Zack Gelof (hand) set to undergo surgery and miss a significant portion of the campaign, fantasy managers should expect Muncy to compete for a starting role early in the season. He will likely split time at the keystone alongside Max Schuemann and Luis Urias. He is worth adding in all AL-only formats before Opening Day.

4 days ago

Matt Sauer • RP • Dodgers

Matt Sauer Optioned To Triple-A Oklahoma City

The Los Angeles Dodgers optioned pitching prospect Matt Sauer to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday. The club had just selected the righty's contract and he could have pitched in the Tokyo Series but did not enter either contest. The 26-year-old will head back to the minors in hopes of getting another shot in the majors later this season, likely in a low-leverage relief role. Known for a 17-strikeout performance at Double-A in 2022, the former second-round draft pick pitched to a 1:8 BB:K this spring in seven-and-two-thirds innings pitched, but it also came with seven earned runs allowed on 10 hits. Even if he makes it back to the majors this season, fantasy managers in deep NL-only leagues may want to see him prove he can be successful before rostering him. Additionally, RHP Landon Knack and OF James Outman were also optioned to Triple-A.

Mar 20

Alex Vesia • RP • Dodgers

Alex Vesia Secures His First Save In 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia shut the door on the Cubs in a 6-3 win on Wednesday. He pitched a scoreless ninth inning where he allowed one walk, one hit, and struck out one. The bulk of the save chances in 2025 figure to go to Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, but Vesia should pick up a handful of his own. In this case, Scott had been used the previous day in the ninth, and Yates was used Wednesday in the 8th. Vesia was one of the most dominant relievers in baseball in 2024, posting a 1.76 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 87 strikeouts in 66.1 innings. He should continue to see plenty of high-leverage usage, but the crowded bullpen makes him more useful for fantasy leagues that reward holds.

Mar 20

Tommy Edman • CF • Dodgers

Tommy Edman Launches Solo Shot

Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Tommy Edman hit his first homer of the year in the Dodgers 6-3 win over the Cubs on Wednesday in Tokyo, Japan. It's certainly a good start to the season for the infielder, who also logged an RBI single in the first game of the Tokyo Series on Tuesday. He had a limited but productive debut season with the Dodgers in 2024, slashing .237/.294/.417 with six home runs, 20 RBI, 20 runs, and six stolen bases in 37 games. He has some sleeper appeal in this loaded Los Angeles lineup as he hopes to return to the form he showed from 2021 to 2023. He tallied double-digit home runs and at least 27 steals in each of those three seasons, which is a very valuable skillset for fantasy.

Mar 20

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