Dodgers camp shows pitching progress and high expectations

At Camelback Ranch the Dodgers opened a large spring training camp with about 75 players, and early reports highlight pitching returns from Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Gavin Stone while several bullpen roles remain unsettled.

The Dodgers have opened a large spring training camp at Camelback Ranch with roughly 75 players on the roster and portable lockers filling the clubhouse. This is the closest the club has come to a normal spring since 2023 after two early, overseas-season starts and consecutive World Series finishes. Veterans will be paced through Cactus League action while many pitchers and prospects work through recoveries and adjustments. Camp activity has emphasized pitching returns, skill work and competition for late roster spots. Known details: - The spring roster sits at about 75 players and the team will add Yency Almonte on a minor-league deal, increasing clubhouse needs. - Yoshinobu Yamamoto was the first Dodger to face hitters and has bulked up; he will also be an ace for Samurai Japan in the World Baseball Classic. Gavin Stone, returning from shoulder surgery, faced hitters and touched 96 mph in his first bullpen-to-hitter session. River Ryan is also progressing after surgery. - The bullpen picture is unsettled because Brusdar Graterol has had a slow spring; several late relief spots are expected to be decided through March. Ben Casparius and Will Klein are among pitchers mentioned as contenders for those roles. - Will Klein has altered his slider grip under the Dodgers' coaching staff; his former slider averaged about 0.6 inches of horizontal movement while the new sweeper averages about 9.8 inches of horizontal break. Klein has also worked with the club’s mental skills staff on confidence and consistency. - Alex Freeland has been working on defense with guidance from Mookie Betts as Tommy Edman is expected to begin the season on the injured list. Summary: The Dodgers enter spring training with a deep and largely healthy roster and a focus on preserving veteran workload while integrating pitchers coming off surgery or late-season work. Pitchers such as Yamamoto, Gavin Stone and River Ryan are reported as progressing, and competition for bullpen roles will continue through March as the club finalizes its roster decisions.