Corey Seager will ‘absolutely’ play on Opening Day

GLENDALE — With Opening Day 11 days away, Dave Roberts delivered the most encouraging bit of news we’ve received on Corey Seager all spring.

He initially began by saying Seager will travel with the team when they take on the Angels in the freeway series to cap off the spring. “I expect him to play those games, all three of them.” Roberts said.

He then said he expects to see him out there on Opening Day. “Talking to the training staff, and Corey himself, just where he’s at, I think that we’ve been conservative, and I don’t see any reason why he won’t be ready.” Roberts said.

This is fantastic news for Seager, who is recovering from Tommy-John surgery. There was large concern he wouldn’t be ready for Opening Day, let alone even appear in a Spring Training game.

Today Seager is expected to take some at-bats, with him playing seven innings tomorrow in the field. Roberts says he expects him to rejoin the team sometime later this week.

Kershaw update

Clayton Kershaw threw another bullpen session today. He threw nearly 40 pitches, incorporating both fastballs and breaking stuff.

Roberts said that if the bullpen session went well, Kershaw could be facing live hitters in a few days. “I think that he wants to be healthy,” Roberts said. “He’s willing to whatever it takes to get healthy. He’s in a really good place. I expect him to come out on the other side and help us win a lot of games this year.”

Kershaw briefly met with reporters following his outing. He said he felt good, and that the next step for him is to throw to live hitters. He wouldn’t give an answer as to what is status is for Opening Day.

Brad Miller

One of the position players battling for a spot on the 25-man roster will be super-utility man Brad Miller. After signing a minor-league contract with the Dodgers at the beginning of the month, Miller has had a very pleasant spring.

Though in limited time, Miller has capitalized on his playing time. He’s currently hitting .313 with an OPS of .889. He also has a home run.

“I like him,” Roberts said when asked about Miller. “I liked him even when he was a young player in Seattle. His energy. The strength, the athleticism. For our ball club it makes sense, because he can play anywhere on the diamond. I know for us to get a good look at him has done good things for both of us.”

With limited roster spots available, it’s unlikely that Miller will start the season on the big-league club.

“It’s tough. I think he understood that when he signed on. I think we’ve given him a nice opportunity. We’ll see how it plays out at the end.” Roberts said.

Other notes

• Max Muncy took a full round of batting practice for the first time since injuring his wrist
• Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin might pitch in the freeway series versus the Angels next week

Today’s starting lineup: