Notes: Opening Day starter; Belli nears debut - MLB.com

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On Wednesday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked if he has an Opening Day starter. It won’t be the last time.

“We might. We don't know yet,” the manager said. “I don't want to let it be known, but we're talking about it.”

“Obviously, there’s three guys that we probably consider, but we’re just not ready to name the guy yet,” Roberts said.

The manager advised not to read too much into how the pitchers line up this week because the Dodgers’ two remaining off-days this spring give them the flexibility to set up the rotation how they see fit. There are also other factors in play, like the pitcher’s health, spring performance and arm buildup. Roberts added that the Opening Day starter decision is not “opponent-dependent.”

It’s also worth noting that the Dodgers will play their first seven games on the road and don’t open up at home until April 9 against the Nationals. Kershaw has acknowledged how special pitching in the home opener would be. The veteran left-hander started each of the last two seasons on the injured list, but made eight consecutive Opening Day starts from 2011-18.

For his part, Kershaw will be ready when he’s called upon. He was sharp again Wednesday, allowing only two hits, including a leadoff home run by David Peralta, and striking out three in the 43-pitch outing. He attacked the strike zone with fastballs and his slider was effective.

In his last outing, Kershaw needed just 22 pitches (17 strikes) to get through two scoreless innings against the Royals on March 5.

“I felt fine. It probably wasn’t as good as the first one, but physically I feel fine,” Kershaw said. “I just want to get better. Nothing really changes spring to spring, you just want to make sure you are ready to go by Opening Day.”

Kenley Jansen followed Kershaw and allowed one hit in one inning with two strikeouts in his third appearance of spring.

“Our pitching guys have done a great job of adding consistency to his delivery,” Roberts said. “He’s repeating it. The command is back where it needs to be. The mix of the two-seamer and cutter was good. The elevation with the fastball was good, so I thought tonight was a positive night for Kenley.”

Bellinger on the mend
Cody Bellinger (shoulder surgery) is on track to play center field in his Cactus League debut Tuesday against the Brewers at Camelback Ranch. Bellinger hit and played in the outfield in an intrasquad game on Wednesday afternoon at Camelback Ranch.

“I didn't know what to expect and didn't place too many expectations,” Roberts said. “From what I saw today, I saw four at-bats and I saw him get off a lot of good swings. And for not seeing a lot of live pitching, he was well ahead, so, I was really encouraged today from Cody.”

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