Grandal, Barnes could platoon behind plate

February 13th, 2018

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- On the day Dodgers pitchers and catchers reported, manager Dave Roberts implied that hasn't lost his starting backstop job to in 2018, even though he did last postseason. It sounds like a platoon.
"Yasmani had more playing time and at-bats last season, and I see that again, but Austin has earned the opportunities," Roberts said.
Roberts added that outfielder , returning from major knee surgery, will be eased into spring action as a precautionary measure, but is considered recovered.

"He's got some catching up to do," Roberts said.
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Roberts also said the club is "counting on" pitcher to return from shoulder surgery, but he wouldn't offer a timetable. Others in the organization believe Urias might be game ready around midseason, but he is not expected to throw off a mound during Spring Training.
• The Dodgers haven't announced it yet, but right-handed pitcher has a locker in the clubhouse as a non-roster invitee.
He's a 32-year-old right-handed reliever who made 61 appearances with the Cubs in 2014, last appeared in the Major Leagues in '15 and played last year in Japan.
• Among position players already working out on Tuesday were , , Matt Kemp, , , Chris Taylor, and .
Roberts said Kemp appears to be in "amazing" shape and predicts "a huge uptick" in his defensive metrics.