Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training: Roster Spots Up for Grabs as Opening Day Approaches

By: [Your Name] | February 9, 2026

As pitchers and catchers prepare to report to spring training, the Los Angeles Dodgers enter a new season with one of the deepest rosters in team history. According to President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, the roster is “pretty much set.” However, with only a few days left before the season officially kicks off, there are still some roster spots in question, and a few Dodgers could be at risk of losing their places on the 26-man roster. Let’s break down the potential moves and players who could be on the bubble this spring.

Limited Space for Left-Handed Relief Options

One of the more surprising moves the Dodgers made recently was designating left-handed relief pitcher Anthony Banda for assignment. Banda, a fan favorite, posted a 3.18 ERA over 70 innings last season and was seen as a durable and reliable arm in the bullpen. So why was Banda cut?

The answer lies in the team’s bullpen strategy. It’s uncommon for teams to carry more than two left-handed relievers in the pen, and with Banda now out of options, the Dodgers’ bullpen situation became clearer. Jack Dreyer and Tanner Scott (assuming he’s healthy) are ahead of Banda in the bullpen pecking order. Both Dreyer and Scott are more effective against right-handed hitters, a crucial factor given the new rules that require relievers to face at least three batters before being pulled.

Banda’s role as a lefty specialist became redundant in light of this, making him expendable. Expect the Dodgers to explore trade options with a team that might need a left-handed reliever. Banda’s experience and ability to get outs could be valuable to another club looking for bullpen help.

Three Catchers? The Situation with Ben Rortvedt

In another roster shuffle, Ben Rortvedt was designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds and was quickly claimed by the Dodgers. The 25-year-old catcher had previously been with the Dodgers at the end of the 2025 season when Will Smith and Dalton Rushing were sidelined due to injuries.

Rortvedt proved to be reliable in handling pitchers during their absence, but with the Dodgers already carrying two established catchers in Smith and Rushing, there’s no clear path to a regular role for Rortvedt. The Dodgers have a history of carrying just two catchers on the roster, so adding a third backstop might not be practical.

If the Dodgers sign super-utility player Kiké Hernández, Rortvedt’s spot on the roster could be in jeopardy, as three catchers are rarely carried at the big league level. Rortvedt’s future with the Dodgers could be short-lived unless he finds a way to stand out in spring training or fill a valuable role as depth.

Bobby Miller’s Setback: A Fresh Start Needed?

Bobby Miller, once considered one of the top-rated pitching prospects in the Dodgers organization, has faced a series of setbacks that have hindered his progress. After showing promise in his early years, Miller’s career took an unfortunate turn due to injuries. A shoulder injury followed by being struck in the head by a line drive during spring training in 2025 derailed his development.

At this point, it seems unlikely that Miller will make the 26-man roster for the Dodgers in 2026. Given his injury history and lack of progress, it might be best for Miller to seek a fresh start in another organization where he can work through his issues and hopefully recapture the success he had earlier in his career. The Dodgers are known for developing pitchers, but Miller’s future with the team may now depend on whether he can stay healthy and regain his form elsewhere.

Ryan Ward: The PCL Player of the Year on the Hot Seat

Ryan Ward, a late-season addition to the Dodgers’ roster, could find himself on the outside looking in when it comes to an Opening Day roster spot. Ward, the Pacific Coast League (PCL) Player of the Year, was tearing it up in the minors last season, finishing with a .300 batting average and over 30 home runs. Despite his impressive offensive numbers, his defense has always been a point of concern.

In particular, Ward’s defensive limitations have been noted, and the Dodgers have questions about whether he can be effective at the major league level, especially as part of a team with a strong defensive foundation. His strong batting performance in the minors shows that his offensive potential is real, but Los Angeles’ outfield and infield spots are increasingly crowded, especially with the signing of Kyle Tucker.

Given that Ward has no options left, meaning he cannot be sent down to the minors without being exposed to waivers, the Dodgers will have to make a tough decision. If Ward’s defense doesn’t improve, he may become a trade candidate or waiver risk, especially with the Dodgers’ high expectations for their roster and need for players who can contribute both offensively and defensively.

Other Potential Roster Moves: Who Else Is At Risk?

While there are certainly a few players who seem to be on the roster bubble, spring training is always full of surprises. There are other potential moves to be made, depending on how various players perform during the camp. With a deep roster and minimal position battles, the Dodgers have a lot of flexibility, but they also need to fine-tune their roster before Opening Day. Injuries, breakout performances, and contract decisions will all play a role in shaping the final composition of the Dodgers’ roster.

The next few weeks will be crucial for players like Rortvedt, Banda, Miller, and Ward. Position battles and roster decisions will be made based on how these players perform in spring training, and those who don’t secure a spot could be on their way out. As spring training progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Dodgers finalize their roster and whether any of these players can carve out a meaningful role for themselves.

Conclusion: Dodgers’ Depth Will Be Tested

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in a strong position as spring training nears, with one of the deepest rosters in baseball. However, with limited space for certain players and a few spots up for grabs, spring training will be a crucial time to sort through potential roster moves and tighten up the final lineup. Players like Ben Rortvedt, Anthony Banda, Bobby Miller, and Ryan Ward will be hoping to make a strong impression, as