Spring training refresher: How the Dodgers and Angels were looking before the shutdown
Nearly four months after spring training was suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Major League Baseball is more or less picking up where it left off when teams resume their preparations for the 2020 season this week. Here’s what was happening with the Dodgers and Angels before the plug was pulled on March 12.
With one heartfelt speech, Mookie Betts established himself as a Dodgers leader by emphasizing the focus needed to win a World Series must begin in the spring.
Although Shohei Ohtani struck out twice Tuesday and is only two for 19 this spring, manager Joe Maddon isn’t concerned, saying Ohtani needs “bright lights.”
With the Angels optioning Jaime Barria to triple A, there’s a four-way competition for the final two spots in the rotation.
Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias was visibly shaken after he hit former Dodgers prospect Willie Calhoun in the face with a fastball Sunday.
As anticipated, the Dodgers named Clayton Kershaw their starting pitcher for the team’s season opener against the San Francisco Giants on March 26.
Max Muncy has established a firm foothold with the Dodgers and signed a $26-million deal, but he still acts and sounds like a guy battling for a roster spot.
The Angels are running often this spring, with 10 stolen bases in their first 12 Cactus League games.
Angels’ starting pitcher Andrew Heaney is healthy and confident as he looks to prove he’s capable of leading the top of a major league rotation.
Angels pitcher Griffin Canning will begin the season on the disabled list after experiencing elbow soreness following his first spring start.
Utility man David Fletcher should spell Brian Goodwin in right field often, and top prospects Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh eventually will be promoted.
Anthony Rendon is optimistic about the Angels’ outlook; Griffin Canning is expected to start the season on the injured list with elbow discomfort.
Gavin Lux spent the bulk of the offseason training at Dodger Stadium in hopes of ensuring a starting spot at second base this season.
Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen spent the offseason working on regaining his form. Early results have been encouraging.
Jaime Barría is back to throwing his sinking fastball again, and the early results are encouraging as the young pitcher hopes to crack the Angels’ rotation.
Julio Urías bounced between the starting rotation and the bullpen last season, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts sees the 23-year-old as a starter in 2020.
On the day of the Dodgers’ first full-squad workout, players were continually asked about the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal and accompanying fallout.
Julio Teheran parted ways with the Braves, who had helped develop him since he was 16 in Colombia. The 29-year-old starts over with the Angels this spring.
Former first-round pick Dylan Bundy has battled injuries and declining velocity, but he’s no longer in the AL East and the Angels hope his best years are ahead.
A proposed trade that would have sent Joc Pederson and Ross Stripling from the Dodgers to the Angels fell through, an outcome both players are happy about.
With the acquisition of Mookie Betts and David Price, the Dodgers are going into spring training as favorite to contend for a title.
Mookie Betts and David Price were introduced at Dodger Stadium, the culmination of a trade with the Boston Red Sox that overcame obstacles to come to fruition.
The Angels failed to land a standout starter, or even Ross Stripling, during the offseason, but manager Joe Maddon expressed confidence in second-year starters.
The Angels nixed a trade that would have brought in Ross Stripling and Joc Pederson. They have enough offense, but could use more pitching.
