Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially set their 26-man roster for the 2026 season ahead of Opening Day against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
In terms of pure position players and pitchers, the team is carrying 12 and 13, respectively. Then, of course, there is Shohei Ohtani filling both roles for the price of one roster spot.
The Dodgers’ roster was largely set even at the outset of Spring Training, with just a few key roster battles to sort out. The biggest of which was the competition to be Miguel Rojas’ running mate at second base until Tommy Edman returns from the injured list.
In somewhat of a surprise, the Dodgers opted to go with Alex Freeland over Hyeseong Kim. Each player fit a different archetype, and the team opted for Freeland’s higher ceiling at the plate, among other factors.
As for Kim, Roberts thinks he will be better served getting regular playing time with the Comets and having a chance to work on playing multiple positions.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wasn’t concerned with a lack of results at the plate for Freeland, believing he showed a lot of progress this spring with his improved at-bat quality and was also pleased with his defense.
The other big decision was who would make up the supporting cast in the rotation and bullpen.
The Dodgers will be without key players at both spots to open the season. Blake Snell and Gavin Stone are starting the year on the 15-day injured list. Meanwhile, Brusdar Graterol (15-day IL), Evan Phillips (60-day IL) and Brock Stewart (15-day IL) are also inactive.
River Ryan, Justin Wrobleski and Emmet Sheehan made up a trio of arms that could have either filled a role as a starter or a reliever. Ultimately, the rotation spot went to Sheehan, the bullpen job to Wrobleski, and Ryan was surprisingly optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City despite a very good showing in spring.
Similar to Ryan, Kyle Hurt was also sent to the Comets despite a good performance. The Dodgers chose to start both in the minors to better manage their workload coming off injuries.
2026 Dodgers Opening Day roster
Two-way players (1): Shohei Ohtani
Starting pitchers (4): Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Emmet Sheehan, Roki Sasaki
Relief pitchers (9) Justin Wrobleski, Edwin Díaz, Ben Casparius, Jack Dreyer, Will Klein, Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia, Edgardo Henriquez
Catchers (2): Will Smith, Dalton Rushing
Infielders (5): Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas, Alex Freeland, Mookie Betts
Outfielders (4): Kyle Tucker, Teoscar Hernández, Alex Call, Andy Pages
Infielders/Outfielders (1): Santiago Espinal
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