LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated Friday that second baseman Howie Kendrick is likely to open the season on the disabled list, where he could be joined by catcher Yasmani Grandal.
Kendrick remains in Arizona as he recovers from a strained left calf muscle. The veteran has progressed to light jogging and batting-cage work, but Roberts said Friday he's "not incredibly optimistic that [Kendrick's] going to start the season on the active roster."
Grandal is dealing with a right forearm strain. He played in a Minor League game Friday in Arizona, catching six innings and getting five at-bats. The Dodgers hoped to get work for Grandal in Saturday's exhibition against the Angels, but the catcher will instead play another Minor League game in Arizona. By keeping Grandal in a Minor League setting, the Dodgers would be able to backdate a potential DL stint to March 25.
"Felt good, not great," Roberts said of Grandal. "As I told him from the beginning, that if he doesn't feel he can sustain his health once he comes back, then we're resolved to starting with him on the DL as well. Those are kind of the last decisions."
Worth noting
• Roberts said there is still competition between right-hander Louis Coleman and left-hander Luis Avilan for the final job in the bullpen. The manager confirmed that relievers Yimi Garcia and Pedro Baez will be on the Opening Day roster.
• Hyun-Jin Ryu continues to recover from shoulder surgery and will throw his final bullpen session either Sunday or Monday before progressing to pitching to live hitters Thursday, Roberts said.
• Brandon McCarthy is on track in his recovery from last year's Tommy John surgery and his next step is another bullpen session, Roberts said.
"He's a guy that we're trying to hold back because he feels good," Roberts said. "So that's a good thing. ... He's back in the ramping up stage. He's doing really well."