The Los Angeles Dodgers are grappling with a multitude of injuries that could significantly impact their postseason aspirations.
Injury Woes Deepen
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that right-hander Gavin Stone is "very unlikely" to make a return this season due to ongoing shoulder soreness. This development adds to the growing list of pitching concerns for the Dodgers, who are also missing key contributors like Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, River Ryan, and Emmet Sheehan.
Stone, who has not pitched since August 31, had been a reliable asset in the Dodgers rotation. The right-hander made 25 starts before his deactivation, posting a 3.53 ERA (111 ERA+) and achieving a 3.14 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His performance was instrumental, accruing an estimated 1.8 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), a metric that highlights his significant contribution to the team's success this season.
The absence of Tyler Glasnow also looms large over the Dodgers' postseason pitching depth. His injury exacerbates the already strained pitching staff, leaving Roberts with limited options as the team prepares for crucial games.
Pitching Depth Tested
The current Dodgers rotation remains serviceable but lacks the depth that has been a hallmark of the team. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Jack Flaherty, Walker Buehler, and Landon Knack are tasked with maintaining the team's performance. However, the recent demotion of Bobby Miller to Triple-A following a dismal outing—where he allowed four runs on seven hits over two innings against the Miami Marlins—highlights the instability and unpredictability that the rotation faces.
"I'm not sure," Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman told MLB.com regarding the team's pitching troubles. "I'm optimistic he is going to do everything he possibly can. There's just so much unknown around it that we're going to do all we can to dominate each day, and hopefully, when he starts throwing, he can ramp up from there. It's just hard to speculate right now."
Crucial Standings
As of Wednesday, the Dodgers boast an 89-62 record, holding a 3 1/2 game edge in the National League West. They are two games ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL's second seed and trail the Philadelphia Phillies by two games for the top seed. Every win or loss bears significant weight, potentially affecting seeding and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
The Dodgers' journey ahead is fraught with challenges. Managing these pitching dilemmas will be critical for the team, as each game carries the potential to sway their postseason trajectory. For Dodgers fans, the hope is that the remaining rotation can step up and fill the void left by their sidelined stars. The upcoming days and weeks will be a test of resilience, strategy, and perhaps a bit of luck.
In a season where every detail matters, the Dodgers must navigate their injury-riddled path with precision and determination. The coming games will reveal whether they can sustain their winning ways and secure a favorable position as the playoffs approach.