Dodgers Open the 2025 Spring Training with a Bang
The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off their 2025 spring training season on Thursday at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix, with a strong reminder of their 2024 glory: "Now taking the field, your 2024 World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers!" The atmosphere was electric, and the team’s goal is clear: to defend their title and potentially become Major League Baseball’s first repeat champions in 25 years. However, the initial game didn’t go as smoothly as hoped, as the Dodgers fell to the Chicago Cubs, 12-4. Despite the loss, the day provided valuable insights into the team’s new roster and the progress of some key players.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto: Stepping Up
Leading the mound for the Dodgers was Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the 26-year-old right-hander who is slated to start the season opener in Japan. Yamamoto threw 27 pitches over 1 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just three singles and striking out two batters while maintaining an average fastball speed of 95.5 mph. It was an encouraging start for the pitcher, who signed a record-breaking $325 million contract last year and showed significant improvement compared to his rookie season. Manager Dave Roberts praised Yamamoto, noting that he is "considerably ahead" of where he was last year, particularly in terms of communication with the coaching staff. "Having one full season under my belt, this year I know how to prepare myself based on what I experienced last year," Yamamoto said through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda. "And also, with Doc and the coaches, I know how to communicate with everybody. I think the communication is better than last year.”
Mookie Betts: Proving the Doubters Wrong
Another standout was Mookie Betts, who returned to shortstop after a shaky three-month stint at the position during the first half of the 2024 season. Betts cleanly fielded all three grounders that came his way, including two challenging ones up the middle that took awkward hops off the mound. His performance was a promising sign that he is ready to face the critics and prove his versatility. "I’m really excited to prove everybody wrong," Betts said this week. "All the people that doubt me, they’ll see." His determination and skill were evident in his smooth fielding, and fans are hopeful that this marks a return to form for one of the team’s most dynamic players.
New Faces and Rising Stars
The game also saw the debut of Hyeseong Kim, a new South Korean signing who played second base and drew a walk at the plate. Kim’s presence adds depth and international flair to the Dodgers lineup, a trend that has become increasingly common for the team. Nonroster invitee Eddie Rosario, the 2021 National League Championship Series MVP for the Atlanta Braves against the Dodgers, opened the scoring with a two-run home run in the second inning. His return to form was a welcome sight for the Dodgers, who are always on the lookout for players who can contribute in high-pressure situations. Additionally, outfield prospect Zyhir Hope, a 20-year-old fast-rising talent acquired from the Cubs in a trade for Michael Busch last offseason, made two impressive catches in left field, sliding for one and crashing into the wall for another. His athleticism and potential shone through, giving the Dodgers a glimpse of the future.
A Scary Moment on the Mound
The game was not without its moments of tension. In the top of the third inning, pitcher Bobby Miller was struck in the head by a 106-mph comebacker off the bat of Busch. The ball sent Miller’s hat flying and left him with a large red welt on his forehead. "That’s always very terrifying and frightening," said Max Muncy, who played third base. However, Miller managed to walk off the field under his own power and even joked about hanging a curveball on the pitch that came back to hit him. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Miller is in concussion protocol and will be monitored closely over the next couple of days. "Very scary moment," Roberts said, "but it was good to see him actually walk off the field and know where he was at." Miller reassured fans and teammates with a tweet: "Thank you to everyone who has reached out. Really means a lot. Scary moment I’m good! All praise to the man above🙏 can’t wait to get back on the mound💪🏼."
Shohei Ohtani: Two-Way Progress
Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ two-way star, didn’t take part in Thursday’s game as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery and a 2023 Tommy John revision procedure. However, Ohtani remains on track to be in the lineup by opening day, with the team expecting him to start live batting practice next week and hit in Cactus League games around the start of March. As a pitcher, Ohtani is already making adjustments, notably reincorporating a windup into his delivery. "As part of being a baseball player, I do want to explore different options, different avenues, to see if I could grow as a player," Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. "That’s my plan, but again, [as I continue] increasing the intensity [in my pitching], I do want to see how the body responds, how I respond to it. So yes, as of now, that’s the plan.” Ohtani’s dual role and willingness to adapt make him a crucial player for the Dodgers’ title aspirations.
Looking Ahead: The Dodgers’ Pursuit of Perfection
While the first Cactus League game of 2025 didn’t go as planned, it provided valuable opportunities for the Dodgers to assess their new roster and the development of their young talent. With a record-setting payroll and a roster filled with experienced and emerging stars, the Dodgers are poised to make a strong push for another World Series title. The team’s focus will now shift to fine-tuning their strategies and ensuring that key players like Yamamoto, Betts, Kim, Rosario, and Hope continue to develop. As the spring training progresses, the Dodgers will aim to build the chemistry and consistency needed to dominate the regular season and, ultimately, the postseason. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this new-look Dodgers team will perform, and the coming weeks will be crucial in setting the stage for their 2025 campaign.
