Los Angeles Dodgers’ Spring Training Disaster: Kirby Yates Absent as Cubs Dominate 12-4—What’s Next?

Spring Training 2025 kicks off with a storm for the Dodgers! Star reliever Kirby Yates is missing in action—who stepped up in his place? Can rookie sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto handle the pressure? Let’s break it down!

Spring Training 2025: The Crucial Preseason for the Dodgers

Spring Training isn’t just a series of exhibition games—it’s a critical period for testing lineups, fine-tuning strategies, and evaluating player performances before the MLB regular season begins.

The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off their 2025 campaign on February 20 with a showdown against the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch, Arizona. This marked the first step in their journey toward what they hope will be a dominant season, following an offseason filled with blockbuster acquisitions.

The biggest names added to the Dodgers’ roster included two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and veteran closer Kirby Yates, who was expected to be a key bullpen piece.

However, before the game even started, Dodgers fans were met with a shocking revelation—Kirby Yates was absent from the lineup. This unexpected development sparked immediate speculation:

• Was Yates dealing with an undisclosed injury?
• Was this a strategic decision to preserve his arm?
• Did Dave Roberts want to test other relievers instead?

Regardless of the reason, Yates’ absence created an opportunity for other pitchers to step up—but could they fill the void?

Kirby Yates: A $13 Million Deal, but No Game Time?

The Dodgers secured Kirby Yates in January 2025 with a one-year, $13 million contract, believing he could be a veteran presence in their bullpen.

This wasn’t just any signing—Yates had a track record of dominance, particularly in 2019, when he led the league with 41 saves and a 1.19 ERA while playing for the San Diego Padres.

His most recent stint with the Atlanta Braves in 2024 showed flashes of brilliance, but injuries and age have raised questions about his long-term reliability. The Dodgers took a calculated risk, banking on Yates’ ability to close out high-pressure innings and stabilize the bullpen.

But why didn’t he play?

• Workload management? The Dodgers might be easing him in to prevent early-season fatigue.
• Still adjusting to the team? New signings often take time to integrate into a club’s system.
• Testing other arms? Spring training is the perfect time to evaluate young talent.

Whatever the reason, Yates’ absence meant the Dodgers had to make quick adjustments, and the bullpen had to step up in a big way.

Who Replaced Kirby Yates? The Dodgers’ Rotation Without Him

With Kirby Yates unavailable, manager Dave Roberts had to rely on other arms to carry the bullpen workload.

Here’s who stepped up:
Yoshinobu Yamamoto: The highly anticipated Japanese ace made his debut.
Bobby Miller: A rising young pitcher looking to solidify his spot.
Justin Wrobleski: A fresh face getting a golden opportunity.
Matt Sauer & Justin Jarvis—depth pitchers fighting for recognition.
Giovanny Gallegos: A familiar veteran presence from the St. Louis Cardinals.
Sam Carlson & Jose Hernandez: Minor league arms getting a shot at big-league competition.

The biggest spotlight was on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the $325 million international sensation from Japan. Dodgers fans were eager to see if he could deliver on the hype—but would he hold up under the pressure?

Dodgers’ 4-12 Loss to the Cubs: What Went Wrong?

By the final whistle, the Dodgers suffered a brutal 4-12 defeat against the Chicago Cubs. While spring training isn’t about wins and losses, this game exposed multiple weaknesses that could become major concerns if not addressed.

Key Issues That Emerged:

• Unstable bullpen: The absence of Kirby Yates left a noticeable hole.
• Ineffective pitching: The Dodgers allowed 12 runs, exposing vulnerabilities.
• Lackluster offense: Scoring only 4 runs fell well below expectations.

Cubs’ standout performers:

• Michael Busch A former Dodger, he came back to haunt his old team.
• Gage Workman: An under-the-radar talent making waves.

While one game doesn’t define a season, it does raise critical questions:

• Can the Dodgers bullpen survive without consistent leadership?
• Will Yates play a major role, or is this a sign of limited availability?
• How will Dave Roberts adjust his pitching strategies?

These are issues that need immediate attention before Opening Day.

How Will the Dodgers Respond to This Early Setback?

Key Adjustments Moving Forward:
Further bullpen testing: Will Kirby Yates take the mound in upcoming games?
Pitching improvements—particularly from newcomers like Yamamoto.
Boosting offensive production: Stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman need to step up.

Despite this rocky start, the Dodgers remain one of the top contenders for the 2025 MLB season. However, this loss serves as an early warning—they must fine-tune their roster quickly to avoid similar pitfalls in the regular season.

Can the Dodgers Recover Before Opening Day?

With Opening Day fast approaching, the Dodgers must make urgent adjustments to avoid starting the season on the wrong foot. While a single Spring Training loss isn’t catastrophic, the 4-12 blowout against the Cubs exposed major weaknesses—especially in pitching depth and bullpen consistency.

One of the biggest concerns is whether Kirby Yates will be a reliable option moving forward. If Yates’ absence becomes a pattern, the Dodgers may need to look at alternative solutions, either from within their farm system or through last-minute acquisitions. Could Yamamoto handle high-pressure innings? Will Gallegos step into the closer role? These are pressing questions Dave Roberts must answer before Opening Day.

On the offensive side, stars like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts need to set the tone early in the next few games. The Dodgers’ championship aspirations hinge on turning these preseason struggles into learning experiences.