It happens every year around this time and it’s never a happy time. It is the day when the Dodgers officially announce their first round of cuts from major league spring training camp. It is the day that several players – most often non-roster invitees – are either optioned or reassigned to minor league camp, in this instance five of them.

Catcher Kyle Farmer and right-handed reliever Jacob Rhame – who were both on the Dodgers 40-man roster – were optioned to minor league camp, with pitchers Ralston Cash, Josh Sborz and outfielder Henry Ramos being reassigned.

Although it is understood from the first day of spring training that non-roster invitees are extreme long shots to make the Opening Day roster, it does occasionally happen and, in fact, will probably happen again this year with the Dodgers. That said, it doesn’t make being on the receiving end of the cuts and less painful.

The 26-year-old Farmer appeared in eight major league spring training games with the Dodgers, during which he spent 10 innings behind the plate and 10 innings at third base, his natural position while at the University of Georgia from where the Dodgers drafted him in the eighth round of the 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft. Once signed by the Dodgers, Farmer transitioned to catcher, where he is ranked very high on the franchise’s catching depth chart. And while undoubtedly disappointed at being optioned back to minors, his versatility to play multiple positions will undoubtedly keep him on the Dodgers (and other team’s) radar and he will undoubtedly begin the 2017 season at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Dodgers top catching prospect Kyle Farmer is very well aware of the old saying: “You’re only one foul ball away from the big leagues.” (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Rhame, who the Dodgers acquired in the sixth round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Grayson County College in Denison, Texas, appeared in four games this spring, allowing eight runs on six hits and three walks without striking out a batter in his 3.0 innings of work. Like Farmer, the 23-year-old right-hander figures to begin the 2017 season at the Triple-A level.

Outfielder Henry Ramos made eight Cactus League appearances with the Dodgers, going 5-for-14 (.357) with a home run and a triple before going down with a strained right groin that will probably keep the 24-year-old Maunabo, Puerto Rico native out of action for a few more weeks.

Fan favorite Ralston Cash was tied for the team lead in strikeouts (nine) with Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw but was also tagged for four runs and allowed four walks in his 4.1 innings of work. The 25-year-old Cornelia, Georgia native is all but guaranteed a spot in the OKC Dodgers’ bullpen to open the 2017 season.

There is no disputing that right-hander Ralston Cash is among the most popular Dodger minor leaguers in camp. His remarkable story is one of tremendous courage and perseverance.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

The 23-year-old Sborz, whom the Dodgers selected in the second round of the 2015 MLB Draft out of the University of Virginia, pitched four scoreless innings in his two spring training appearances with the big club. He allowed no runs and three hits, without a strikeout or issuing a walk. He last appeared on Sunday, March 5, suggesting that he may be dealing with some type of ailment, although this has not been confirmed by the club.

As a result of today’s cuts, the Dodgers now have 57 players remaining in major league camp, with the second round of cuts expected (around) next Monday.