LOS ANGELES ― The Dodger Stadium turf has presented itself every season without assistance since the park opened in 1962. That will change in 2023.

The Dodgers announced Tuesday that they have hired a sports marketing agency to “help secure premier worldwide partnerships for the team,” including a “field presenting partner” beginning next season. According to an industry source, the Dodgers are targeting a sponsorship cost of at least $20 million per year for the field naming rights.

While the name “Dodger Stadium” will not change, the branding of the field itself represents a major shift for one of baseball’s most storied franchises. The incursion of sponsorships will extend to the team’s uniforms, too.

The SPORTFIVE agency is also helping the Dodgers identify a sponsor for its first branded uniform sleeve patches, which MLB approved to be worn beginning in 2023. The San Diego Padres became the first club to announce such a sponsorship on Tuesday, replete with a visual presentation.

SPORTFIVE says it has generated more than $1 billion in gross sales per year on behalf of its rightsholder clients, including the Lakers, the PGA and LPGA tours, the Boston Marathon, and the Bundesliga, English Premier League, and English Football Association.

“We are very happy to be working with SPORTFIVE on these unique partnership opportunities,” Corey Norkin, the Dodgers’ Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships, said in a statement. “For a company to have the opportunity to align their brand with us and our iconic venue, Dodger Stadium, along with one of the most recognizable uniforms in all of sports is truly special. We look forward to working with these future partners.”

TREINEN RESTING

It’s been five days since Blake Treinen’s last appearance, a scoreless inning against the Cincinnati Reds last Thursday. Manager Dave Roberts said the pitcher’s right arm “was just kind of barking” after that game, and he is not expected to pitch in the three-game series against Atlanta.

Treinen threw from flat ground up to 120 feet Tuesday. He is not expected to go on the injured list.

“He’ll throw off a mound tomorrow. He’ll throw off a mound Thursday,” Roberts said. “Hopefully he’ll be online Friday.”

The Dodgers have 10 other relievers on their active roster, which gives Roberts plenty of wiggle room to maneuver around an individual injury.

Related Articles

Treinen, 33, is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in three appearances this season.

ALSO

Gavin Lux was a late lineup scratch because of back tightness. Cody Bellinger, who was originally scheduled to have a day off, was inserted into center field and Chris Taylor moved to left field, taking Lux’s spot. … Caleb Ferguson threw a 16-pitch simulated game against live hitters, a step forward in the left-hander’s return from Tommy John surgery. “He’ll face hitters a little bit more in about a week,” Roberts said. “It was good.” … Right-hander Tommy Kahnle faced three batters in a minor league rehabilitation appearance with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He struck out one, walked another, and got the third to hit into a forceout on 17 pitches. Kahnle, who is also recovering from Tommy John surgery, did not allow a run across his first three rehab games with Class A Rancho Cucamonga.

UP NEXT

Atlanta (RHP Charlie Morton, 1-1, 6:10 ERA) at Dodgers (RHP Tony Gonsolin, 0-0, 1.29 ERA), Wednesday, 12:10 p.m, SportsNet LA, MLB Network, 570 AM