During the previous season, the Los Angeles Dodgers ended the regular season with 100 wins but faced a rotation decimated by injuries, leaving them with limited options like Clayton Kershaw, Bobby Miller, and Lance Lynn for the playoffs.
Fast forward to 2024, and the Dodgers seem to be heading down a similar path.
Recently, the Dodgers announced on Friday that starting pitcher Gavin Stone, the sole uninjured starting pitcher on their roster, was being placed on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation.
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, subsequently informed reporters that Stone would be taking a 10-day break from throwing, with his return dependent on his recovery at the end of the period. This timeline leaves little room for Stone to be ready for the playoffs.
Unfortunately, the Dodgers’ woes didn’t end there. All-Star outfielder Teoscar Hernández sustained a foot injury during a game against the Cleveland Guardians and had to exit due to a contusion. While X-rays were negative, Hernández was reported to be “not doing great” and might require an IL stint.
The loss of Hernández is significant, but the bigger concern lies with Stone and the state of the Dodgers’ pitching staff.
Even before Stone’s injury, the Dodgers were already facing a bleak outlook for their pitching options in the upcoming playoffs. While having a lineup led by Shohei Ohtani is exciting, a successful postseason run necessitates a strong pitching rotation, which the Dodgers are currently lacking.
The Dodgers rotation’s injuries are something to behold
Clayton Kershaw: The veteran ace underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason and struggled upon his return, eventually landing back on the IL due to a toe injury.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto: The highly-paid pitcher lived up to expectations until a rotator cuff strain sidelined him in June.
Tyler Glasnow: Initially a Cy Young contender, Glasnow faced multiple injuries throughout the season, including back issues and elbow tendinitis.
Walker Buehler: The former postseason standout has been hampered by hip injuries and inconsistent performance.
Bobby Miller: Last season’s promising rookie struggled with shoulder problems and poor performance upon his return.
Gavin Stone: Currently sidelined with shoulder inflammation.
Jack Flaherty: The Dodgers’ recent acquisition remains healthy.
Dustin May: Out for the season due to multiple surgeries.
Tony Gonsolin: Yet to pitch this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Emmet Sheehan: Another Tommy John surgery recipient after suffering shoulder soreness.
River Ryan: Top prospect undergoing Tommy John surgery after initial shoulder fatigue.
Shohei Ohtani: Focused on hitting due to prior elbow surgery.
With a depleted pitching rotation and several key players on the IL, the Dodgers are facing challenges as they aim for a successful playoff run. The team’s current rotation includes Flaherty, Buehler, Miller, and rookies Knack and Wrobleski, with Yamamoto and Glasnow set to return soon. However, the uncertainty of their health and performance raises concerns about the Dodgers’ postseason prospects.
Pitcher injuries are an unfortunate reality in baseball, but the Dodgers have been particularly hard hit this season. Whether due to evaluation issues, training methods, or just plain bad luck, the team needs several factors to align for a competitive rotation in the playoffs.