The Los Angeles Dodgers’ latest round of cuts seemingly set their 25-man roster for Opening Day, barring any injuries or unexpected development. Kiké Hernandez appears to have earned a spot off the bench, and the utility man started at shortstop in the exhibition Freeway Series opener.
Hernandez was back in the lineup after being hit by a pitch on his right wrist. He was sent for x-rays following Monday’s contest, which came back negative. Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim was a final tuneup for Kenta Maeda.
In his second time facing the Dodgers’ crosstown rival this spring, Maeda turned in another strong start.