Full Breakdown
Dodgers' Spring Training: The Battle for the Final Rotation Spot
2/19/2026, 6:30:29 AM
Core Event: Competition for the Dodgers' Starting Rotation
As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for the 2026 MLB season, a significant competition is unfolding during spring training for the final spot in their starting rotation. With the team adopting a six-man rotation due to Shohei Ohtani's unique scheduling needs, multiple pitchers are vying for the opportunity to fill the gap left by Blake Snell, who is currently behind schedule in his recovery from shoulder issues.
Key Candidates for the Rotation
The primary contenders for the last rotation spot include left-handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski, River Ryan, and Gavin Stone. Wrobleski, who recorded a 4.32 ERA in 2025, is seen as a front-runner due to his health and the trust placed in him by manager Dave Roberts. Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers' president of baseball operations, has expressed confidence in Wrobleski's ability to transition from a bullpen role to a starting position.
River Ryan, returning from Tommy John surgery, has shown promise with a high-velocity fastball and impressive strikeout rates during his limited appearances. He aims to secure a spot in the rotation after a strong showing in spring training. Gavin Stone, who also missed significant time due to shoulder surgery, is another candidate who has impressed early in camp, including a notable strikeout of Ohtani during live batting practice.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of competition within the team, stating, “Competition is a good thing.” He also noted the depth of the pitching staff, indicating that the Dodgers are not rushing any player back into action. This cautious approach is particularly relevant for Snell, who is still ramping up his throwing program after dealing with shoulder inflammation last season.
Friedman reiterated the team's strategy, saying, “We’ve got a lot of candidates that we feel really good about,” while acknowledging the need to manage the pitchers' workloads carefully.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the optimism surrounding the Dodgers' pitching depth, there are concerns regarding Snell's readiness for Opening Day. His delayed ramp-up could necessitate reliance on less experienced pitchers, raising questions about the team's immediate performance. Critics argue that the Dodgers may face challenges if key pitchers are not fully prepared for the season.
What's Next
As spring training progresses, the Dodgers will continue to evaluate their pitchers, particularly focusing on Snell's recovery timeline and the performances of Wrobleski, Ryan, and Stone. The upcoming World Baseball Classic may also impact Ohtani's preparation, adding another layer of complexity to the Dodgers' rotation plans.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I will say Wrobleski because a) he was pretty good last year and seems to have the trust of manager Dave Roberts, and b) he's the only one of the four candidates not coming back from major surgery,” — Mike Axisa, CBS Sports
- “River looks great, physically he’s a house right now. Ball’s coming out really well, and he has a deep arsenal.” — Brandon Gomes, Dodgers General Manager
- “I think we have a ton of depth, a lot of able players and we’re not gonna push any position players, let alone pitchers, to be ready for whatever date.” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
As the Dodgers navigate these early days of spring training, the competition for the final rotation spot remains a focal point, with the potential to significantly impact the team's performance in the upcoming season.
