Yoshinobu Yamamoto gets first Spring Training start for Los Angeles Dodgers. He'll head to WBC soon.
On Thursday morning, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had a mixture of announcements and comments when speaking with reporters at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz.
First off, Roberts announced that Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be the opening pitcher in Cactus League play for the Dodgers on Saturday. Yamamoto probably will not get a lot of starts during Spring Training as he's going to play for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.
What about outfielder Kyle Tucker? Well, Roberts said that Tucker will get his first Cactus League start on Sunday. This will mark the first time that Dodgers fans will see this big-name free-agent signing see some action outside of practice fields. Tucker will also be in the lineup for Roberts on Tuesday, too.
When Dodgers Nation reporter Doug McKain asked what were Roberts' thoughts on Tucker so far, the Dodgers manager said, "I like Tuck, he’s learning the landscape. He’s simple, he just wants to play baseball."
Here are some other notes from Roberts, Tucker, and others at Spring Training:
- On Dalton Rushing, Roberts said: "Dalton's in a good spot right now, wanting him to understand his role as a backup catcher." Roberts ruled out any outfield play for Rushing this season, yet intimated that he might see some time at first base when Freddie Freeman gets a day off.
- Tucker, in an interview with MLB Network Radio, shared his thoughts on the Dodgers at this point: "There is a side to it that it’s our job and you got to go out there and be the best player, person you can be. At the same time, you want to have fun with it."
- The Dodgers have re-signed Yency Almonte, who spent time with the team in 2023. Roberts said, "Happy to have him back."
- On Thursday, Edwin Díaz posed for his first official picture in a Dodgers uniform. MLB's account on X shared this image.
How is King Tuck looking in Dodger blue right now? Here's his photo, also shared by MLB's account on X.
The Dodgers open their Cactus League schedule by playing the Los Angeles Angels, then follow that up with games against the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners.
What will Dodgers fans look to see in these games? It's going to be the first time that Roberts has had to put together a lineup card since winning the 2025 World Series. There are a couple of new names, like Tucker, he's going to have to pencil in there.
But Los Angeles knows that the entire MLB world will be watching what happens every single day with the franchise. After spending some money in the offseason for their two big acquisitions, how it all pans out will be worth watching very closely.
Can the Dodgers come out early, show that they are all on the same page, and carry any momentum from Cactus League play into the early part of their 2026 MLB schedule? That would be pretty amazing to see.
Roberts is no rookie when it comes to leading his Dodgers through Spring Training workouts. He's made it very clear that the goal this season is the same as it was last season: Repeat as World Series champions.
Los Angeles has its eyes on a Three-peat in the title picture. No matter who the Dodgers play this season, that opponent knows the Dodgers have that singular goal in mind. For the opponents, throwing the Dodgers off their stride will be tantamount.
Cactus League play is just a couple of days away.
Yes, Dodgers fans, baseball season is finally here.
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