Dodgers Spring Training: The Sights and Sounds of Camelback Ranch for February 14 and 15

Let’s start something new! For the rest of Spring Training we will be releasing a daily review of news, views, and fun from around Dodgers camp at Camelback Ranch.

Here is what the last couple days looked like:

We’re Back!

Another day at Camelback Ranch is in the books!

It’s a beautiful day for baseball. #DodgersST pic.twitter.com/CquRu8Psr5

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 15, 2019

The Dodgers are officially underway on their journey to another hopefully successful season in 2019. A lot of important news has come out of the Dodgers camp over the last few days as well as some pretty cool stories and funnies from around the clubhouse.

Around the Horn

First, let’s start off with some news and notes from around the organization.

Dave Roberts said the team knows who will start opening day, but declined to disclose. Suspense.

— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) February 15, 2019

Gee, I wonder who that could be. Fully expect Clayton Kershaw to take the hill for his ninth-straight Opening Day start.

Corey Seager

The 2016 NL ROY looked good around camp on Friday. He was found doing some running drills and infield work at shortstop on a backfield at CBR.

.@coreyseager_5’s out here making plays. ? #DodgersST pic.twitter.com/91qFYzL19k

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 15, 2019

Moreover, he also grabbed a helmet and bat, much to the excitement of fans.

? pic.twitter.com/ilzTisplBq

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 15, 2019

This is absolutely a fantastic sight. Corey Seager, coming off Tommy John surgery and a major hip surgery, stepped in for 10-15 pitches against Josh Sborz. Early reports out of camp are that Seager is looking more and more likely to start at shortstop for the Dodgers on Opening Day.

Clayton Kershaw on Walker Buehler

Clayton Kershaw was asked about Walker Buehler, and he gave one of the longest answers you'll ever hear him give. From @kengurnick: pic.twitter.com/0OC5IxGUus

— Joe Davis (@Joe_Davis) February 15, 2019

Clayton Kershaw had some very nice words to say about the new ace on the staff, Walker Buehler. Joe Davis emphasizing Clayton’s typical unwillingness to elaborate is important here. It is very apparent that Kershaw believes Buehler has the makeup of a long-time ace in the major leagues, something Dodger fans have known for quite awhile.

Buehler’s Workload

Walker Buehler was scheduled to throw a bullpen yesterday but didn’t. Dave Roberts said nothing is wrong. The team is just taking it slow with him early this spring. The plan is for him to go into the season as a regular starter — no innings limit, etc.

— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) February 15, 2019

Walker Buehler is being handled very carefully this Spring Training as managing his workload is obviously important. The idea that there is no innings limit for him this season is enormous, especially when considering that the team needs as many reliable sources of high-quality innings as possible.

Buehler said he had already thrown four bullpen sessions before reporting to camp. He pitched 177 innings last season when you had minors, majors, postseason. Big jump from his total of 103 IP as a professional before last year

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 15, 2019

To piggy-back on what Castillo reported about the situation, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register stated something that is really important. The fact that Buehler has already thrown multiple pen sessions before pitchers and catchers reported is a good sign that there is nothing being hidden with a possible injury or the like. A jump from 103 innings in 2017 to 177 innings in 2018 is no small leap. Buehler obviously is integral to the Dodgers’ playoff hopes in 2019 and beyond and managing his innings is a key way to make sure he does not fall off.

Julio Urias

Julio Urias’s bullpen session has attracted a few people. pic.twitter.com/sztdGyX0ur

— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) February 14, 2019

Another key member of the Dodgers’ future plans, 22-year-old lefty Julio Urias, drew a crowd. Still coming off a major shoulder surgery, Urias is to be handled very carefully and it would make sense that he enter the season with some sort of innings cap. Urias’s future is brightest as a starter but he could find his way into a viable bullpen role this season considering the Dodgers’ plethora of starting pitching options.

Dave Roberts said "we’re really kind of not there yet" when it comes to having Julio Urias pitch out of the bullpen to start the season. He added Urias will be on an innings limit and the number hasn't been decided.

— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) February 14, 2019

However, that time may come with the season underway. Urias still has options so it would make perfect sense for him to get his feet wet at Triple-A Oklahoma City once again to start 2019.

Fun Stuff

The Dodgers celebrated Valentine’s Day in a variety of fashions.

Two young fans at Camelback Ranch gifted Dodgers outfield prospect Alex Verdugo some roses this morning. Happy Valentine’s, ya’ll.

— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) February 14, 2019

I’m sure that brightened up Dugie’s day as he pushes for the starting left field job.

More Valentine's Day fan love, from the @Dodgers pic.twitter.com/fTgjqanHmK

— Camelback Ranch (@camelbackranch) February 14, 2019

JT, Belli, and Russ took some time out of their busy preseason schedules to hang out with some young fans. Awesome.

“Best shape of my life!!” pic.twitter.com/vtp2VmRisX

— Enrique Hernández (@kikehndez) February 14, 2019

Kiké, being the jokester he is.

old friends, new friends ? #DodgersST @Dodgers pic.twitter.com/4GcDIYjwXD

— Kenley Jansen (@kenleyjansen74) February 15, 2019

Also, here is Kenley having some fun.

Nothing is better than baseball being back. We are now just 40 days away from Opening Day!