Much of the Los Angeles Dodgers roster has been set before Spring Training even started. The only position up for competition is second base, and no one has distinguished themselves quite yet. However, the fourth outfielder has some interesting ramifications. With Kike Hernandez recovering from elbow surgery, a door of opportunity has opened for someone. The battle between Michael Siani and Alex Call has presented an interesting quandary, and some young bucks have been making some noise as well. Here is the latest analysis.

Did the Dodgers Pick the Right Option in the Outfield

 

The Dodgers optioned RHP Paul Gervase and OF Michael Siani, and reassigned pitchers Cole Irvin and Ryder Ryan, IF Noah Miller, and OFs Zach Ehrhard, Zyhir Hope, and James Tibbs III to minor league camp.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 17, 2026

 

Revamped Outfield

Los Ángeles needed to improve their outfield both offensively and defensively. On paper, it looks like they have done just that. They signed Kyle Tucker to play right field, moving a hopefully healthy Teoscar Hernandez back to left field, with an improved Andy Pages patrolling center field. These three will get the majority of the starts in the outfield if nothing goes awry. But there has to be a fourth option.

Have Glove, Will Travel

The Dodgers picked up Michael Siani off waivers this winter–twice.  He is not known for his offensive production. Siani’s batting average of .221 demonstrates that.  As a result, he would be a bench player, but he does swing from the left side of the plate, given that right-handed reserves dominate that side. However, he is known for his glove. Los Angeles values defensive proficiency. In fact, they led the league in that important stat in 2024. They didn’t give away outs very often. It is a pattern they wish to repeat after falling to the middle of the pack with the stat in 2025. A bonus, of course, is the fact that Siani can run, and speed doesn’t slump. Consequently, the outfielder will make the 40-man roster and probably be the first option, should someone get injured.

Answering the Call

Alex Call came to the Dodgers at the trade deadline last year from the Washington Nationals. He provided depth and the ability to hit right-handed pitching. Thus far, his career in a Dodger uniform has been unremarkable. This led some to speculate that Call’s spot on the roster might be in jeopardy.  The reserve outfielder must have heard them and used it as motivation. Call is hitting over .500 with an OPS of 1,417. It is Spring Training, but the Dodgers will not say no to those numbers, because Call hasn’t left it up for debate. In case there was any doubt, he has been above average defensively as well. If he resembles the spring version anywhere close and carries it over to the regular season, Los Angeles has to be happy with the trade and the lack of certainty in the outfield going into 2026.

Future Competition?

Outfield seems to be one of the deepest positions in the minors as well. James Tibbs III and Zach Erhard have had hot springs as well, and they are the newcomers. Josue De Paula and Zach Ward are names to keep an eye on as well.

Future major leaguers seem to be spurring on the veterans. The Dodgers have to love it.

 Main Photo Credits: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images