Spring Training Update: Dodgers Beat Padres Behind Syndergaard May and Dustin May

Spring training has officially started and Major League Baseball teams will report to their camps in Arizona and Florida starting Monday. Here's all the information you need about this upcoming season.

On Monday night, the Dodgers beat the Padres 3-0 thanks to Noah Syndergaard's three scoreless innings. Dustin May followed with another three innings of scoreless work before Gavin Stone came on and struck out two of his three batters.

Noah Syndergaard

On Monday night, the Dodgers claimed their spring training victory over the Padres thanks to Noah Syndergaard and Dustin May's three scoreless innings of relief work. Each lefty struck out three while allowing just one hit or walk throughout their outing.

Before anything else, it's essential to understand that spring training is unique for everyone. Pitchers begin throwing a lot of PFP (pitcher's fielding practice) drills early on while position players don't typically start playing full games until later in the season.

With each passing day, pitchers throw more innings and position players play more and more games. By mid- to late March, things really pick up speed.

Once the full roster arrives, it becomes a massive complex with pitchers in the weight room and bustling during pitching practice. It's like attending an NCAA football game where everyone wears their uniform and there are lots of people around.

It's an inspiring opportunity to witness the differences between teams, as well as showcasing the depth of major league baseball talent. Unfortunately, for some who aren't part of the squad, it may prove a challenging experience.

Particularly, those not considered starters in the rotation can be cut from the Opening Day roster if needed - an essential step for teams.

Robbie Erlin and Jordan Yamamoto, two left-handed pitchers, made the minors after being declared longshots for Opening Day's bullpen. If both remain healthy in 2023, however, they could prove beneficial for a team during that season.

Cuts are just the tip of the iceberg, however; many players don't see their major-league opportunity until later in spring. Additionally, there are a few re-signings that take place early in camp as well.

On the eve of Opening Day, expect the Dodgers to re-sign some of their younger stars. Doing so is an effective way for them to bring together all the best talent within the organization. On Tuesday night, for instance, they inked All-Star slugger Manny Machado to a record $350 million 11 year deal - though this huge contract carries some misaligned incentives for him.

Dustin May

After an extensive recovery process from Tommy John surgery, Dustin May has made significant strides toward returning to major league action. In his last three rehab starts, the Dodgers have watched closely to see how he continues on this path and are eagerly awaiting news on his progress over the next two.

The Dodgers organization boasts a wealth of young pitchers, and this upcoming season will test their depth in various ways as they attempt to rebuild and become the team scouts had imagined two seasons ago. But which ones can rise to the occasion in the early going and take their place on an already experienced roster?

There's also the question of how much the Dodgers will rely on May, who returned from elbow reconstructive surgery in 2021 with an impressive performance that catapulted him to the top of their list of top prospects. Can he take that next step and establish himself as a vital cog in a rotation that includes ace Clayton Kershaw?

That's an ambitious goal, but one that could pay off if May's command and velocity are fully restored as the Dodgers hope.

May was impressive in his first start since returning from surgery, holding the Miami Marlins to just one hit over five innings. Additionally, he struck out nine while walking two.

But to truly cement his place as the starting pitcher the Dodgers expect him to be, he'll need to maintain this level of performance over his remaining six appearances and several starts.

At present, May's return to his pre-surgery form and fireballing abilities are encouraging signs. While his pitch usage and mechanics still need work, May has the tools necessary for a major league role and should be given every chance.

At this stage, patience will be key - the Dodgers are counting on him to help them throughout the remainder of the regular season and into the postseason. If he can maintain this level of consistency throughout, there should be no reason why he won't be ready to make his MLB debut by Opening Day.

Tayler Scott

On Sunday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers capitalized on a rare early inning fumble by San Diego Padres starter Nick Margevicius to beat them 11-2 and secure their 10th consecutive playoff berth. Following clinching the NL West title, manager Dave Roberts led his team in celebrating with sparkling wine before giving them caps bearing the postseason logo.

In the second inning, the Dodgers scored three runs and Max Muncy hit a two-run single to tie things up at three. Later in the sixth, they exploded for six runs on Justin Turner's grand slam to put away the game for good.

May, who took over for Syndergaard when he returned to spring training, pitched a perfect sixth inning and stranded a runner with no outs in the eighth for another win. These are impressive numbers for May who hasn't allowed an earned run since his second game of the season.

He hasn't pitched a full season since 2022, but was excellent in Japan in 2020-21 with a 1.48 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 43 2/3 innings. This success served as one of the main reasons why the Dodgers selected him with their first-round draft pick in 2021.

Scott, who was claimed off waivers by the Phillies in September, boasts a powerful arm and an aggressive approach on the mound. Additionally, his power hitting ability was evident during his brief tenure at Double-A Tulsa last year, though he did experience some setbacks there as well.

This spring, he is one of the top arms in the Dodgers' minor league system and could be a top candidate to make an impact on opening day. His potential is vast; if he stays healthy, he could potentially develop into an ace for the club.

Gavin Stone is another pitcher to watch this spring who has been dominant at the high level of the Padres system. A left-hander, Stone has shown striking ability with both his fastball and slider as well as being able to work in the strike zone and keep hitters off balance.

He has a high ceiling and should be given consideration in 2023 as well. Unfortunately, he has yet to make the major league roster since being drafted in 2016.

The Dodgers have an impressive list of non-roster invitees joining them at Camelback Ranch for spring training in 2023, including Jason Heyward, Adam Kolarek, Bobby Miller and several other top prospects.

Gavin Stone

Spring training can be a grueling time for players. Not only do they have to play every day, but they must also fight to maintain their spot on the team. This can be an emotionally charged period and for some it could mean the end of their major league careers.

The Dodgers invited several non-roster invitees to spring training, including top pitching prospects Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone. Both have a good chance at making the big club this season.

Stone was a fifth-round pick out of Central Arkansas and boasts two plus pitches in his fastball and change-up, as well as a cut-slider that can be effective for strikes. He's made steady progress throughout the minors and was named a Branch Rickey Award winner in the Dodgers system last year.

Stone had an impressive debut season at Double-A, posting a 1.20 ERA with 36/6 K/BB ratio in seven starts (30 innings). While he may still be some time away from reaching the majors, Stone is considered one of the top pitching prospects in the minors this season.

On Wednesday, Hector Valdes-Duran struck out eight times over five scoreless innings to help the Dodgers secure a victory against the Padres during their spring training opener. With such an impressive resume, Valdes-Duran has every chance to make the team and may even get some starts in the majors this year.

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