Los Angeles Dodgers workout

By Jon Weisman

Though the legendary Sandy Koufax no longer has a formal role with the Dodgers, as Ken Gurnick of MLB.com writes, that doesn’t mean he can’t stop by Camelback Ranch for a nice hello.

Here are the links for a fine Friday …

  • Non-roster reliever Brooks Brown was released by the team today. Brown, who was battling shoulder issues, had been claimed by the team October 14.
  • The Dodgers intend to decide once and for all whether Carlos Frias is a starter or a reliever, writes Gurnick. “He’ll get at least two multi-innings outings this spring as we stretch out the starters, but then we need to make a decision which way to go,” pitching coach Rick Honeycutt said.
  • Super-utility Kiké Hernandez isn’t at full arm strength after offseason surgery, which prevents any outfield play in the early days of Spring Training, according to Gurnick. Of note: Hernandez, who is the Dodgers’ backup shortstop behind Corey Seager, said that that’s his most natural position.

  • More notes in the same story from Gurnick:

    In other medical news, outfielder Yasiel Puig returned to baseball activities after missing a session Thursday because he was still feeling the effects of wisdom teeth surgery.

    Alex Wood and Brandon Beachy were the first Dodgers pitchers to throw live batting practice on Friday, an indication both are fully healthy after battling injuries last year. Wood had an ankle bruise and Beachy was coming off his second Tommy John surgery.

    And Hyun-Jin Ryu (shoulder surgery) showed continued improvement in his third bullpen session, adding changeups to the repertoire. He has yet to throw breaking balls.

  • Vin Scully’s acceptance of the L.A. Sports Council’s first Lifetime Achievement Award is recapped by Lyle Spencer of MLB.com.
  • A.J. Ellis spoke about his efforts to improve his pitch framing with J.P. Hoornstra of the Daily News.
  • Ellis knows he isn’t destined to catch every Clayton Kershaw start until the end of time, but he’ll take the ones he can get, writes Doug Padilla of ESPN.com.
  • With quotes from Brandon McCarthy, Brandon Beachy and Brett Anderson, Padilla has a substantial piece about the long process recovering from Tommy John surgery.
  • Mike Bolsinger might not have a spot in the current starting rotation, but he still could be a factor, writes Eric Stephen of True Blue L.A.
  • Some old Dodger Stadium turf is being reborn at a Simi Valley Youth Baseball League field, reports Eric Sondheimer of the Times.

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