A home run from Mookie Betts. Two young pitchers fighting for a rotation spot. And a surprise blast from a newly claimed outfielder.
Sunday’s Dodgers spring training action delivered far more drama than a typical preseason game.
Mookie Betts Goes Deep as Dodgers’ Rotation Battle Intensifies and Newcomer Jack Suwinski Stuns in Breakout Spring Moment
The Los Angeles Dodgers turned a routine spring training Sunday into an offensive showcase and a pitching audition packed with intrigue.
With two split-squad games unfolding simultaneously, nearly every position player in big league camp saw action — and the Dodgers didn’t disappoint. Los Angeles exploded for 14 runs in a blowout victory over the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, while another squad secured a 5–3 win against the Texas Rangers at Camelback Ranch.
But beyond the scorelines, several storylines emerged that could shape the Dodgers’ roster decisions as the regular season approaches.
And it all started with Mookie Betts.
Betts Launches First Spring Home Run
One of the loudest moments of the day came when Betts delivered a powerful reminder of why he remains one of baseball’s most dangerous hitters.
Facing Cubs starter Jameson Taillon, Betts crushed his first home run of spring training, sending a jolt of energy through the Dodgers lineup.
The blast helped spark the offensive surge that ultimately buried Chicago in a 14–8 rout.
Meanwhile, newly returned infielder Hyeseong Kim, fresh off his appearance in the World Baseball Classic, made an immediate impact as well. Kim collected a single and showed off his speed by swiping a base, signaling he could become a valuable spark plug in the Dodgers lineup this season.
Rotation Battle Heating Up
While the Dodgers’ offense grabbed headlines, the most intense competition may be happening on the mound.
With Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, and Roki Sasaki already locked into the starting rotation, only a limited number of spots remain available.
That leaves Justin Wrobleski, Emmet Sheehan, and River Ryan battling for what could be the final opportunity to start games early in the season.
And on Sunday, River Ryan continued making a powerful case.
After allowing four singles and a run in the opening inning, Ryan quickly regained control. Over the rest of his outing, he surrendered only one walk while striking out five batters across four innings.
The biggest question surrounding Ryan isn’t performance — it’s durability. After missing the entire 2025 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Dodgers must carefully monitor his workload.
But if results alone determined the decision, Ryan might already have the inside track.
Sheehan Still Finding His Rhythm
Emmet Sheehan, meanwhile, entered spring with strong momentum following an impressive finish to last season.
However, illness slowed his progress early in camp. A bout with the flu kept him off the mound long enough that he’s still building back toward full strength.
Sunday marked an important step forward.
Sheehan worked 3â…” innings and threw 66 pitches, his longest outing of the spring so far. While he surrendered a two-run home run in the third inning, he otherwise limited damage.
Still, his early spring numbers reveal one concern: across 38 batters faced, Sheehan has recorded six walks and six strikeouts, an unusual balance that suggests command remains a work in progress.
Jack Suwinski’s Dream Debut
One of the most surprising moments of the day belonged to a player few expected to headline the game.
Outfielder Jack Suwinski, claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates just over three weeks ago, had mostly been working behind the scenes at Camelback Ranch.
Sunday marked his first appearance in a major spring training game with the Dodgers.
And he wasted no time making it count.
In his very first at-bat, Suwinski crushed a three-run home run in the first inning, immediately announcing his presence and giving the Dodgers another intriguing depth option in the outfield competition.
Brother vs. Brother on the Mound
The day also featured a rare family storyline.
After River Ryan finished his outing, his brother Ryder Ryan took the mound in the game against the Rangers.
Ryder delivered his longest appearance of the spring, pitching 2â…” innings with three strikeouts. He did allow a two-run homer but still provided a solid performance that continued his steady build toward the season.
Interestingly, Ryder threw 53 pitches, slightly more than his brother, despite recording fewer outs.
Spring Standouts Continue Emerging
Elsewhere, Zach Ehrhard added to his impressive spring by blasting a two-run triple against the Cubs.
With three triples this spring, Ehrhard is now tied for the major league lead, giving Dodgers evaluators another name to watch as roster decisions approach.
Gavin Stone’s Recovery Remains Uncertain
Not all news was positive.
Right-hander Gavin Stone, who missed all of last season following shoulder surgery, has once again been sidelined.
After making just one start this spring, Stone experienced renewed shoulder soreness, forcing the Dodgers to shut him down temporarily.
While the team has not provided a firm timeline, the organization is expected to proceed cautiously with his recovery.
A Spring Full of Decisions
As spring training moves closer to its final weeks, the Dodgers find themselves with an enviable problem: too much talent competing for limited roster spots.
With stars like Betts already rounding into form and young pitchers pushing hard for opportunities, the competition inside camp continues to intensify.
And if Sunday proved anything, it’s that even in spring training, the Dodgers rarely lack drama.
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