GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Wednesday was another day when Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the obvious, this time by revealing his early spring starting rotation. Now if he would only give hints about the lineup.

With Clayton Kershaw's start in the Cactus League opener set for Thursday, Roberts confirmed the rest of his starters for the first five spring games. Scott Kazmir will start Friday, followed by Kenta Maeda, Brett Anderson and Alex Wood, in that order.

He would not give a sneak peek at Thursday's lineup when asked.

In confirming Wood's start, Roberts revealed who will get the first crack at the one spot somewhat up for grabs in the rotation. With Hyun-Jin Ryu still on the mend from shoulder surgery last year, the Dodgers have some decisions to make.

Other pitchers could make noise in the fifth-starter derby are Mike Bolsinger, Brandon Beachy and Carlos Frias, although there is some conjecture that Frias could be used primarily in relief this season.

Roberts was asked to set the field for one of spring's most interesting races.

"How would I handicap it?" Roberts said, stalling for time. "You know what, honestly, I'm not trying to read too much into it right now. I think that guys are excited about competing so we're in a good situation."

Ryu's return is set tentatively for May, while Brandon McCarthy could be ready to come back from Tommy John surgery as early as July. Until then, there is a spot available and Wood gets the first crack at it.

The left-hander was acquired in July from the Atlanta Braves as part of a three-team trade that also involved the Miami Marlins. But his results with the Dodgers were uneven (5-6, 4.35 ERA in 12 starts), with a foot injury to blame for the inconsistencies.

With Wood fully healed now, the Dodgers are expecting the pitcher who had a 2.78 ERA in 35 outings (24 starts) in 2014, and one that had a 3.54 ERA in 20 starts before he was traded to the Dodgers.

As for the rest of the contenders, Bolsinger delivered an impressive 3.62 ERA for the Dodgers last year over 21 starts. He also has the advantage of being right-handed for a club is loaded down with left-handers.

Beachy made just two appearances for the Dodgers last year as he makes his way back from two Tommy John surgeries. He is the wild-card in the mix, depending on how much another offseason has given him time to heal.