Dodgers Cautious With Starting Pitchers Ahead of 2026 Season

Health concerns and World Baseball Classic participation could lead to unexpected look for Dodgers' rotation on Opening Day.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with their starting pitchers ahead of the 2026 MLB season. Injuries and World Baseball Classic participation have led the team to focus on a methodical ramp-up during Spring Training, with manager Dave Roberts emphasizing patience over rushing players back. The Dodgers' rotation on Opening Day may look different than their hoped-for group for the postseason.

Why it matters

The Dodgers have won back-to-back World Series titles, but their pitching staff has faced some health concerns. Their cautious approach this spring could help avoid further injuries, but it may also lead to an unexpected look for their rotation to start the season as they manage workloads and recoveries.

The details

Several Dodgers pitchers, including Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Edwin Díaz, are dealing with various health issues or will be participating in the World Baseball Classic. This has led the team to take a methodical approach to Spring Training, with manager Dave Roberts emphasizing a slow ramp-up to ensure players are ready for the long season ahead. The Dodgers plan to start the year with a six-man rotation, but the specific makeup of that group is still to be determined.

  • The Dodgers' pitchers and catchers held their first Spring Training workout on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • Blake Snell pitched through left shoulder discomfort during the 2025 World Series, causing a delay in his offseason throwing program.

The players

Blake Snell

A Dodgers starting pitcher who is dealing with left shoulder discomfort that has delayed his offseason throwing program.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

A Dodgers starting pitcher who will be participating in the World Baseball Classic for Japan, which could impact his availability at the start of the 2026 season.

Edwin Díaz

A Dodgers starting pitcher who will be participating in the World Baseball Classic for Puerto Rico, which could impact his availability at the start of the 2026 season.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who is emphasizing a cautious and methodical approach to Spring Training this year.

Shohei Ohtani

A Dodgers pitcher who is entering his first full season as a pitcher since having a second Tommy John surgery.

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What they’re saying

“Guys are anxious. I think for me, we've got a long camp. Longer than we've had in recent years, so try to get guys to start slow but intentional, methodical, is the message.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager (si.com)

“Whatever is best for Blake, or any of our pitchers for that matter, we're going to do. Where he's at once we get to Spring Training and how his arm feels, there is a buildup from there. If it doesn't line up with Opening Day, the first series, then it doesn't. And I'll say that about all the pitchers.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager (si.com)

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to monitor the progress of their starting pitchers throughout Spring Training, and they will make decisions about the composition of their Opening Day rotation as the season approaches.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' cautious approach to their starting pitchers this spring highlights the importance of managing workloads and injuries, especially for a team with championship aspirations. Their willingness to be patient and flexible with their rotation could pay dividends later in the season as they aim for another World Series title.