The Los Angeles Dodgers have mitigated the effects of multiple injuries within their pitching staff, receiving solid production from their starters and relief options.
Sitting atop the National League West, the Dodgers are in great position to withstand the rigors of an entire regular season schedule. Walker Buehler returned from his lengthy rehab, but at the same time, the bullpen is in a state of flux with arms hitting the injured list.
Although the injuries have puled up, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman discussed the organization’s plan to keep the injury woes at a minimum, continuing their efforts to make changes as needed, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“You look at it, the industry trend skews very heavily towards injuries early in the year. We’re doing our best to avoid that,” Friedman said. “We haven’t done a great job of that. Neither have a lot of teams. We’re at a loss for what the answer is. But we’re going to continue to make our best efforts.”
Evan Phillips, Joe Kelly, Ryan Brasier, Brusdar Graterol and Kyle Hurt are among the notable bullpen arms still on the IL. However, their unit has found a run of success even with missing pieces.
On the starting rotation front, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Gavin Stone and James Paxton have all made their regular starts. Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Emmet Sheehan and Clayton Kershaw aren’t yet available, some out longer than others.
The Dodgers thankfully avoided serious injury with Bobby Miller, who suffered from shoulder inflammation early in April, and is progressing nicely.
Which injury returner could make big impact for Dodgers?
Among the returning players, Jason Heyward’s insertion back into the outfield rotation could solve another problem.
The uncertainty of James Outman and where his season is, has placed an emphasis on rookie Andy Pages and his ability to maintain a level of play. Heyward being a plus-option against right-handed pitching would lift the pressure, giving the Dodgers another platoon bat.
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