Five Dodgers spring subplots: Will Trea Turner get an extension? Who is the closer?

Whereas the Dodgers’ pursuit of Freddie Freeman continues to stir hypothesis, the staff additionally opened its spring coaching camp over the weekend and held its first official exercise Monday.

Already, a collection of subplots and storylines are starting to develop. As spring will get underway, listed here are 5 issues to comply with through the run-up to the 2022 season:

Trea Turner extension

Trea Turner is again at his pure shortstop place. The query now: Will he be the staff’s shortstop of the longer term, too?

Turner, who was acquired on the commerce deadline final 12 months, is within the last 12 months of his contract. And whereas he’d be open to staying with the Dodgers long-term, he mentioned there was “nothing of substance” but in talks on a possible extension.

“I really feel like I compartmentalize,” mentioned Turner, an All-Star final season who can be one of many high free brokers out there subsequent winter. “I can have a chat if any person needs to have a chat. If not, I’m able to play and able to go on the market.”

Turner added: “I believe this group, like I mentioned from day one, that is unbelievable. The time I’ve spent right here has been quite a lot of enjoyable. And I believe it’s positively a spot that I might be long-term. Whether or not that occurs or doesn’t occur is one other query, however I’ve had quite a lot of enjoyable.”

Opening at nearer

Supervisor Dave Roberts didn’t shut the door fully on the Dodgers re-signing free agent nearer Kenley Jansen, however it’s wanting likelier by the day that the staff gained’t have the veteran right-hander in the back of its bullpen.

Meaning the staff must decide a alternative — or, as Roberts hinted at Monday, go along with a closer-by-committee method.

Roberts acknowledged that right-hander Blake Treinen can be the front-runner, but additionally mentioned the staff likes his versatile set-up/fireman function the place he faces the center of the opposing order each time it comes up.

“Blake’s open to doing no matter he can to assist us win and that’s most vital,” Roberts mentioned. “However I like our pen. I believe it’s a energy proper now.”

Stretching out starters

One of many largest impacts of the lockout will seemingly fall on beginning pitchers, who’re attempting to get stretched out in a considerably shortened spring camp.

“I simply don’t count on a six-inning, 90-pitch construct up for 5 guys or six guys to be there [by opening day],” Roberts mentioned.

Meaning the Dodgers must get artistic early within the 12 months. Roberts downplayed the potential of a six-man rotation, however emphasised the potential of piggybacking with lengthy relievers. He’s additionally hopeful that the league will permit expanded rosters early within the season, which might allow the staff to hold extra pitchers to unfold out the workload.

“I believe our largest concern is early [in the year],” president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman mentioned. “So it’s simply how you can navigate that and the place our personal guys are and I believe as we assess that, over the subsequent few days, we’ll have an excellent higher sense.”

Damage progressions

The Dodgers are monitoring a number of gamers making an attempt to return again from damage this camp.

Clayton Kershaw is the largest title. After battling an elbow damage final 12 months, he stays hopeful of being prepared for opening day and was inspired after going through hitters stay for the primary time Monday.

Relievers Caleb Ferguson and Tommy Kahnle, who’re each getting back from late 2020 Tommy John surgical procedures, are extra of a query mark, with Roberts saying he believes they’re at the moment “unlikely” for opening day. Starter Dustin Could can be rehabbing after having Tommy John surgical procedure final 12 months and mentioned he’s concentrating on a return for the ultimate third of the season.

Amongst place gamers, Mookie Betts (who battled a hip concern final 12 months) and Edwin Ríos (who had a shoulder damage) are full-go, however Roberts mentioned the staff would watch out with how they ramp up.

Roster battles

Whereas the primary line of the Dodgers depth chart appears nearly set — barring the addition of one other massive free-agent signing, similar to Freeman — the staff will nonetheless have a number of roster spots up for grabs.

On the bench, gamers similar to Gavin Lux, Matt Beaty, new signing Hanser Alberto and Ríos will jockey for enjoying time, whereas nonroster invitees together with Eddy Alvarez, Andy Burns, Jason Martin, Stefen Romero and Jake Lamb can even try and make the staff.

The bullpen may have just a few extra roster battles. Left-hander Victor Gonzalez confirmed as much as camp in spectacular form after ending final 12 months within the minors. Ferguson and Kahnle, each time they’re wholesome, will attempt to cement themselves on the large league roster. Seven of the Dodgers’ eight pitcher nonroster invitations even have earlier massive league expertise, with the lone exception being highly-touted prospect Ryan Pepiot.