"For a lot of us coming off back-to-back World Series, just trying to prioritize rest over the offseason. That was a conversation that was had with several people. It was kind of 'Give your body as much rest as possible. We'll start ramping up a little later than normal.' As a result, we're just not ready for the first week of games. But we're still scheduled to get more than 50 at-bats which is definitely plenty to get ready."
"It's not load management and just kind of, you know, I wanted Mookie to kind of start a little bit later as far as not getting into spring training ready to go and kind of use spring training to build up given it's six weeks, so he's building up nicely, so he'll be in the lineup soon."
The Los Angeles Dodgers implemented a deliberate strategy for their 2026 spring training, prioritizing rest for veteran players following back-to-back World Series victories. Max Muncy and other experienced players delayed their spring training debuts, with All-Star Mookie Betts still awaiting his first game appearance. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed this approach was intentional, allowing veterans to build up gradually over the six-week spring training period rather than entering fully prepared. Despite the delayed starts, players will still accumulate over 50 at-bats, considered sufficient preparation. With most veterans present at camp and only four MLB roster players participating elsewhere, the Dodgers can control their ramp-up pace strategically.
Read at Dodgers Nation
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