It took a collective effort this season for the Los Angeles Dodgers to place an MLB record 28 different players on the disabled list. They broke the mark set by the Boston Red Sox in 2012.
However, unlike the Red Sox who finished that season with a 69-93 record and in last place of the American League East division, the Dodgers stormed to a fourth consecutive National League West division title.
They did so by relying on the organizational depth president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Farhan Zaidi often highlighted.
Among the early injuries the Dodgers faced was losing Yimi Garcia to biceps soreness that forced him to an early exit during a relief appearance against the Colorado Rockies on April 22.
The recovery process was slower than anticipated and Garcia suffered a setback (knee injury) while on a rehab assignment in August. He never pitched after the appearance at Coors Field.
It now appears Garcia is likely to miss the 2017 season, as he underwent Tommy John surgery in October, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
Yimi Garcia underwent Tommy John surgery Oct. 25.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) December 16, 2016
Garcia finished the season with a 3.24 ERA, 2.89 FIP and 1.20 WHIP in 8.1 innings over nine games. Presumably losing Garcia for all of next year places further emphasis on the Dodgers’ need to round out their bullpen.
Joe Blanton, Louis Coleman and J.P. Howell are all free agents. So too was Jesse Chavez, though he signed a contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Dodgers are said to be searching for relievers to sign to one-year contracts.
Los Angeles has been connected to former Kansas City Royals closer Greg Holland, but it’s plausible he’ll command a multiyear contract.
Garcia ranked second on the team in 2015 with 59 appearances and posted a 3.34 ERA over 56.2 innings pitched.
