The Los Angeles Dodgers once again are running away with the National League West and remain firmly on track for a 14th consecutive postseason berth, but their roster is not without some concerns.
Namely, Shohei Ohtani being ruled out from pitching indefinitely because of left knee trouble and Will Smith’s slow recovery from an inflamed disc in his neck.
Though it could be reasoned a those injuries have created needs for the Dodgers, their approach at the upcoming MLB trade deadline is unchanged because of them, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic.
Still, according to multiple team sources familiar with the Dodgers’ thinking, neither injury will have much impact on the team’s trade deadline strategy.
As it currently stands, the Dodgers are now without Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Ohtani in their rotation. Snell began a rehab assignment over the weekend but Glasnow is still limited to throwing only fastballs in bullpen sessions.
Ohtani might throw off the mound this weekend, and that could be the first step toward determining when he will be ready for a return to his two-way role. Ohtani hasn’t pitched since July 3. He was lined up to face the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 10 but was scratched from the outing because of lingering irritation in his left knee.
The Dodgers then penciled in Ohtani to start in the series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies, but eventually changed course for a second time.
Meanwhile, Smith has been out since the first week of June because of his neck trouble. The Dodgers initially anticipated a quick return from what was deemed neck stiffness. Dalton Rushing has taken on starting duties in Smith’s absence and is capable of filling that role, but there is a weakness at the backup catcher position.
What are the Dodgers’ trade deadline plans?
Between injuries Ohtani and Smith are suffering from, the Dodgers having patience with their rotation isn’t much of a surprise. There is still time for Snell, Glasnow and Ohtani to return, and as it stands the depth behind them is capable of carrying the load for the time being.
However, potentially choosing to pass on acquiring a backup catcher could prove costly. Likewise, Smith does have time to make a return this season. But given some of the unpredictability that can arise with a disc issue, there is added risk in counting on Smith to remain healthy through October.
Nevertheless, the Dodgers appear more focused on bolstering a farm system that features top-end talent but is lacking in terms overall depth at multiple positions.
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