Eric Stephen
Managing Editor
Eric Stephen is the managing editor of True Blue LA, where he's covered the Dodgers since 2009, providing comprehensive analysis of and commentary on the team, their performance, player payroll, old friend alerts, spring training ties, three-inning saves, and even the minutiae of every single roster transaction.
In addition to writing about the Dodgers, Eric is the host of two podcasts on the True Blue LA feed. Leading Off is the weekly podcast co-hosted by Jacob Burch that has delved into the ins and outs of the team since 2013. The Lineup is a daily morning podcast in season that reacts to the news and notes of each day.
Growing up in Palm Springs, Eric watched the Dodgers thanks to the guidance of his two older brothers, and has watched baseball intently (some would rightfully say obsessively) since 1985, when his first favorite player, Pedro Guerrero, tied a record by hitting 15 home runs that June.
Eric’s favorite player of all-time is Eddie Murray, who hit .330/.414/.520 for the Dodgers in 1990. He led the majors in batting average that season but did not win a batting title because Willie McGee’s .335 batting average with St. Louis stood after the outfielder was traded to Oakland in late August, a fact that Eric is still sore about over three decades later.
Eric has worked in a variety of roles for SB Nation and Vox Media. He ran SB Nation Los Angeles, was an assignment editor and copy editor for SB Nation, and wrote about all sports nationally for SB Nation. He has been a member of the Baseball Writers Association of America since 2016, and has covered 10 postseasons and three World Series.
Dodgers open season with nine players on the injured list
The Dodgers opened the season with eight players on the injured list, including starting pitchers Tony Gonsolin and Ryan Pepiot, and relievers Daniel Hudson, Jimmy Nelson, and Alex Reyes, and four others on the 60-day injured list.
Dodgers add Heyward to roster, place Lux on 60-day IL
Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux was placed on the 60-day injured list, as he is expected to miss the entire season after a torn ACL and sprained LCL in his right knee.
New minor league CBA would more than double salary minimums
Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association reached tentative agreement on a collective bargaining agreement for minor league players, the first of its kind, which among other things will more than double minimum salaries once ratified.
Notes: Clayton Kershaw, J.D. Martinez, Brusdar Graterol
Heading into opening day by reading about Clayton Kershaw and his comfortability going year to year, J.D. Martinez and expectations with the Dodgers, plus Brusdar Graterol as a potential breakout candidate.
Dodgers vs. D-backs opening series info
The Dodgers open the season with four games against the Diamondbacks. Here’s relevant info for opening day and the first series of the 2023 regular season.
Opening day ceremonial first pitches: Fernando, Orel, Gagné
The Dodgers will have former Cy Young Award winners Fernando Valenzuela, Orel Hershiser, Eric Gagné throw ceremonial first pitches before their opening day game against the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.
Our 2023 Dodgers predictions
Predictions for the 2023 Los Angeles Dodgers, from the staff of True Blue LA.
Freeway Series game 3 chat
The Dodgers play the Angels to end spring training at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.
Get ready for shorter baseball games in 2023
Game times have been shorter this spring training after the introduction of the pitch timer in Major League Baseball. "I love it," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "The rhythm of the game, the time of the game, all of that is going to leave everyone wanting for more the next day."
MLB managers have less time to initiate replay reviews
MLB managers will have less time to decide whether to review plays this year. Dave Roberts explained the difference between this year and last year.