ANAHEIM -- Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal (right forearm strain) and second baseman Howie Kendrick (strained left calf muscle) will open the season on the disabled list. But manager Dave Roberts said Saturday before the club's final exhibition game against the Angels that the club expects both to return in time for the April 12 home opener against the D-backs.
Because both have been held out of Major League Spring Training games, their DL stints can be backdated and they won't have to remain on the shelf for the normal 15-day minimum.
"Yasmani played again today in Arizona [in a Minor League game]," Roberts said prior the the Dodgers' 8-1 loss at Angel Stadium. "He had two or three at-bats and felt good. But right now, we're looking at having him for the home opener. It's a long season, and it just seems to make the most sense."
Roberts said the same goes for Kendrick, who took batting practice Saturday. The manager added the club is setting up live batting practice for him on Sunday, the club's final off-day ahead of Monday's 4:05 p.m. PT season opener in San Diego..
"He's jogging, moving around," Roberts said. "I'm hopeful he'll be ready for the home opener."
After Saturday night's exhibition finale, the Dodgers sent left-hander Luis Avilan to Triple-A Oklahoma City. That meant infielder Charlie Culberson, a non-roster invitee who led the Dodgers with 14 spring RBIs, made the 25-man roster and right-hander Louis Coleman secured the final bullpen slot.
Roberts said Coleman (1.64 ERA in 11 spring games) "has thrown the ball really well. For us, it's just good for Luis Avilan to go down and feel good about getting guys out. We plan on him putting up some innings for us this year."