The start of the 2026 season is drawing closer, and the World Baseball Classic has left fans eager for the first games of the year. Many are already wondering whether the Los Angeles Dodgers can complete a three-peat or if a new champion will emerge.
The team from Los Angeles is less than two weeks away from beginning its title defense in Major League Baseball. As a result, they are fine-tuning the final details during spring training to ensure everything is ready.
The Dodgers made a move no one saw coming
On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the reigning back-to-back MLB champions from the West Coast finalized decisions regarding their pitching staff, surprising both fans and analysts alike.
Dodgers announce this morning they have optioned Kyle Hurt to triple-A.”…”Somewhat surprising move for a guy whose had a nice spring, and seemed like a strong candidate for the opening-day bullpen.
Reported Jack Harris of the California Post on X.
The move left many stunned, as Hurt had been widely expected to be part of the team’s pitching plans for the season. He made his debut in 2023, and few anticipated such a decision at this stage.
Later, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided further insight into the situation surrounding the pitcher.
Dave Roberts also said Kyle Hurt was sent down for now so he can keep building a ‘foundation’ in his return from Tommy John surgery. They want to put more ‘tread on his tires’ right now, but expect him back in the majors at some point.
It is worth recalling that Hurt underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024, causing him to miss the remainder of that season from the moment he entered the operating room. He later returned in 2025, spending time in the minor leagues to close out the year.
For now, the focus is on regaining his form and demonstrating that he is capable of returning to the major leagues. The Dodgers appear to be taking a cautious approach with his development, prioritizing long-term health over immediate contributions at the big-league level.
This decision also reflects the depth within the Dodgers’ pitching staff, which allows the organization to make calculated moves without compromising competitiveness. While surprising, the move underscores a broader strategy focused on sustainability and readiness over the course of a long season.
Hurt’s path back to the majors now depends on his ability to build consistency and prove that he can handle the physical demands following surgery. If he progresses as expected, his return to the Dodgers’ roster later in the season remains a strong possibility, giving the team another valuable arm.
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