Dodgers Spring Training: Ethier, Jansen And Rollins Report To Camp

UPDATE (Feb. 23, 10:15 a.m.): According to J.P. Hoornstra of the LA Daily News, Howie Kendrick reported for Spring Training on Monday:

Howie Kendrick has reported to #Dodgers camp.

— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) February 23, 2015

When Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers and catchers reported for Spring Training last week, the group was devoid of the 6’5 presence that is closer Kenley Jansen.

Jansen underwent surgery to remove a growth from a bone in his left foot and the timetable for his return was set at 8-12 weeks from the date of the surgery (Feb. 27), which delayed his arrival to Camelback Ranch.

The 27 year old reported Monday morning and will soon trade in his crutches for a boot, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:

Kenley Jansen, on crutches, arrived in camp. He said foot cast will be replaced by boot in five days.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) February 23, 2015

As Jansen recovers from the foot surgery, he’ll work on upper-body training, according to Ron Cervenka of Think Blue LA:

Kenley has arrived. Plans to continue working on upper body (etc.) while in camp.

— ThinkBlueLA (@Think_BlueLA) February 23, 2015

Shortly after news of Jansen’s arrival at the Spring Training complex, Jimmy Rollins was the next position player to check in ahead of his expected report date:

Jimmy Rollins reported today.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) February 23, 2015

Rollins joins Adrian Gonzalez, Yasiel Puig and Juan Uribe, among others who are in camp prior to Wednesday’s official report date for position players. Added to the group is Andre Ethier, according to SportsNet LA’s Alanna Rizzo:

Andre Ethier has arrived at #Dodgers camp.

— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) February 23, 2015

While the aforementioned position players are well aware of their role this spring, the same cannot be said for Ethier. He’s expected to compete against Chris Heisey and Joc Pederson for the starting job in center field and though it won’t be gifted to him, Pederson is considered the favorite to be named the starter.

Ethier is coming off a season in which he played the second-lowest games (130) that led to a winter complete with endless trade rumors. As manager Don Mattingly expected in mid-January, Ethier reports to camp still a Dodger, which is something the 32 year old wanted and is looking for a much different season in 2015.

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