Clayton Kershaw's return for his 18th season with the Dodgers is generating both excitement and cautious optimism. After undergoing surgeries on his left toe and knee, concerns linger about his ability to bounce back. Nonetheless, he's expected to contribute quality innings. Meanwhile, Kik Hernandez's return on a one-year deal shows his value to the Dodgers, especially after he regained form following vision improvement last season. Evan Phillips's injury news regarding a torn rotator cuff raises questions about the bullpen depth early in the season. The Dodgers' depth in starting pitching is under scrutiny, especially with the potential for a six-man rotation featuring stars like Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki alongside Kershaw. Advanced metrics and injury histories suggest a complex year ahead for the Dodgers as they navigate spring training.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to name Tanner Scott as their closer for the upcoming season, a decision that has sparked a mix of surprise and understanding among analysts. Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts and Brandon Gomes confirmed that Scott, a recent signing, will have the opportunity to secure save opportunities early in the year. However, there are concerns about limiting Scott's usage to just the ninth inning, as he could be valuable in high-leverage situations earlier in the game.

The Dodgers' bullpen landscape is evolving, with multiple pitchers capable of closing games. Last season, Evan Phillips led the team with 18 saves, but the distribution of saves among 14 different relievers indicates that there could be a fluid situation throughout the season. If Scott performs well, he may find himself in a rotational closing role, sharing responsibilities with Phillips, Kirby Yates, and others.