During the monotony of spring training, live batting practice sessions usually are structured like boxing matches.
One main event with a big-name pitcher, surrounded by a bunch of less notable undercards featuring unheralded arms.
In this Dodgers camp, however, the loaded pitching staff has turned such routine activities into star-studded affairs. The latest example: Tuesday’s rotation of batting practice sessions, with the Dodgers trotting out one star pitcher after the next in a display of their stunning depth of arms.
On one field, two-time Cy Young Award winner and $182-million signing Blake Snell faced hitters for the first time as a Dodger.
On an adjacent diamond, $72-million signing Tanner Scott, widely considered the best reliever on the free-agent market, did the same.
Read more: ‘Lucky to have him in my corner.’ How Blake Snell is helping Bobby Miller in Dodgers camp
At another point, two of the team’s top returning pitchers, Tyler Glasnow and Blake Treinen, went through their first live session of the spring.
Even some of the other pitchers who threw — including veteran relievers Kirby Yates ( signed to a $13-million deal last month) and Luis García (one of the more accomplished non-roster invites in camp on a minor-league deal), as well as returning left-handers Alex Vesia and Anthony Banda — drew the attention of fans and team brass.
“I mean, we’re loaded,” said catcher Will Smith, who was behind the plate for Snell and Yates. “Just gotta stay healthy, gotta keep those guys going and pitching well. It’s a long year. Still a hard game. So keep them locked in, keep them pitching well. That’s my job.”
Snell had some of the day’s most memorable moments, despite giving up a home run in one at-bat against Chris Taylor.
In addition to his mid-90s fastball and wicked curveball/slider pairing of breaking pitches, the left-hander snapped off a few changeups that wowed teammate Bobby Miller, who has been mentored by Snell this spring and watched from behind home plate.
“He was nasty,” Miller exclaimed. “His changeup is really good. I didn’t know he had it like that.”
Outfielder Michael Conforto, a teammate of Snell’s last year with the San Francisco Giants who also signed with the Dodgers, simply shook his head when asked about facing the veteran ace.
In his first at-bat, Conforto struck out…