Dodgers' Opening Day roster nearly set

Verdugo, Garcia, Floro, Ferguson make team; Roberts to add one reliever

March 23rd, 2019

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Except for uncertainty with the last pitching spot following 's knee injury, the Dodgers' roster appears essentially set, manager Dave Roberts indicated on Friday.

After Brad Miller opted out of his contract on Thursday, Roberts said , , and Caleb Ferguson had made the club.

So, it appears these 24 are defined:

Outfielders: , , , Alex Verdugo

Relief pitchers: , , , , Caleb Ferguson, Yimi Garcia, Dylan Floro

One reliever needs to be added, preferably one that can go multiple innings, and is as good a guess as anybody. Although Stewart was already sent down to the Minors, he will make Saturday’s start in place of Hill, he’s already on the 40-man roster and he has pitched long relief in the Major Leagues in the past.

Non-roster candidates still in camp include Tony Gonsolin, , and Dustin May. Other pitchers on the 40-man roster already optioned are and .

A sick feeling
The Dodgers scratched scheduled starter Gonsolin on Friday morning due to illness. He was sent to the Minor Leagues following Friday's 10-4 loss to the D-backs at Camelback Ranch.

In the game, Turner and Jeren Kendall homered. It was Turner’s third home run and upped his average to .474 this spring. Santana, who made the start in place of Gonsolin, allowed three runs, including a homer to Adam Jones, in three innings, with five strikeouts and two walks.

Around the horn
• Pederson, who left Thursday’s game with back spasms, was not in Friday’s lineup, but Roberts said it was precautionary and that he expects Pederson to play all three games of the Freeway Series that opens on Sunday.

threw a bullpen session on Friday before leaving for Los Angeles. He will open the season on the injured list as he rebuilds arm strength after earlier shoulder tenderness.

Up next
Stewart makes the start at 12:05 p.m. PT on Saturday against the White Sox in place of Hill with a chance to sneak back onto the roster after having been optioned to the Minors on March 11. The game can be seen on MLB.TV.