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Potential Short-Timers on the Dodgers Roster

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Katherine Wacker | Last updated Feb 10, 2026 12:05 AM ET

Pitchers and catchers are set to report to spring training just days from now. Unlike years past, there will be few, if any, position battles to wage for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Moreover, the roster is probably the deepest in their history. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman says that they are “pretty much set.” However, are there still moves to be made before Opening Day? Which Dodgers are in jeopardy of losing a roster spot? Here are a few possibilities.

Some Dodgers’ Roster Spots Could Be At Risk This Spring

Limited Space for Left-handers

Last week, the Dodgers designated fan-favorite left-handed relief pitcher Anthony Banda for assignment. It caught some by surprise. He featured a 3.18 ERA in over 70 innings last season. This made him a durable and reliable arm. However, when you realize that it is unusual to carry more than two left-handers in the bullpen, it makes sense. He is out of options. More importantly, Banda is at best third in line behind Jack Dreyer and, hopefully, a healthy Tanner Scott, both of whom are more effective getting right-handers out. This ability is paramount when a reliever must face three batters before being removed from the game. Look for the Dodgers to work out a trade this week with a team in need of a reliever from the left side.

Three Catchers?

Banda was removed from the roster in order to make room for catcher Ben Rortvedt . Rortvedt was designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds last week. The Reds claimed the backup catcher from the Dodgers shortly after the end of the 2025 season. The backstop proved he knew how to handle pitchers in the absence of Will Smith and Dalton Rushing, who missed time with injuries last year. Unfortunately, it is very rare these days to carry three catchers on the roster. If the Dodgers sign super-utility player Kiké Hernandez, Rortvedt may be on the DFA train again. Time will tell.

The Dodgers claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt and designated LHP Anthony Banda for assignment.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 6, 2026

A New Beginning

Right-hander Bobby Miller has the top-rated arsenal in the Dodgers organization. A few years back, it looked like he was proving it. However, things took a turn, and he has yet to recover. Injuries have had a hand in this. First, it was an ailing shoulder. In a bid to come back, he was hit in the head with a line drive during spring training last year, and he was never able to regain his equilibrium. As it is unlikely that Miller will crack the 26-man roster this season, it may be best if he gets a fresh start in another organization to see if he can recapture some of his early success.

Someone Else’s Ward

Ryan Ward was added to the roster shortly after the season ended last year. The Pacific Coast League Player of the Year was making it look too easy in the minors. More importantly, he had no options left. Ward’s bat has never been in question. His .300 batting average and 30-plus home runs speak for themselves. However, Los Angeles has worried about his defense. Fans would argue that almost anything is better than Michael Conforto‘s 2025. The signing of Kyle Tucker seems to indicate that Ward’s days in a Dodger uniform are numbered.

A lot can happen before Opening Day. It will be interesting to see which prognostications turn moot.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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