SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Friday he wants to open the season with an eight-man bullpen, which brings the Opening Day roster into clearer focus.
Because Yimi Garcia (who is recovering from Tommy John surgery) has pitched only once in eight days, he's essentially eliminated. Pat Venditte told TrueBlue L.A. he's going to Triple-A to be built up for multiple innings. That leaves a bullpen of Kenley Jansen, Scott Alexander, Pedro Baez, Tony Cingrani, Thomas Stripling, Josh Fields, J.T. Chargois, and Wilmer Font (who is out of options).
Justin Turner's broken left wrist required a bench adjustment, as John Forsythe moves to third base from second base, and second base becomes a platoon between Chase Utley and Enrique Hernandez.
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Recent playing time indicates the fourth outfielder will be Joc Pederson and not Alvin Toles, who has cooled off after a hot start and probably will be better served playing regularly for Triple-A Oklahoma City after missing most of last season after undergoing major surgery on his right knee.
The final bench spot appears to be between Trayce Thompson, who is out of options, and James Farmer. With three everyday outfielders being right-handed hitters, and the left-handed Pederson capable of playing center field, Thompson is expendable. Interest from other clubs, however, has been negligible.
But for inventory purposes, management must weigh the risk of losing Thompson if it tries to outright him to the Minor Leagues and keep Farmer, who has a dangerous bat off the bench and some defensive versatility.
Roberts said two players are likely to be cut before the club leaves Arizona on Saturday, with the final decision probably not coming until the roster is submitted on Wednesday.