Despite a relentless wave of pitching injuries, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain the clear favorites to win the 2025 World Series, with their odds holding steady at +240 as of mid-May. This resilience in the betting markets is a testament to the organization’s depth, recent history of postseason success, and the confidence that both oddsmakers and fans have in the Dodgers’ ability to weather the injury storm. Websites like Action Network offer solid information, news, and BetMGM options for tracking odds.
A Rotation Under Siege
The Dodgers’ injury woes are significant and ongoing. As of May, the team had an astonishing 14 pitchers on the injured list, including high-profile arms such as Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Clayton Kershaw. Even Shohei Ohtani, the team’s marquee offseason addition, is not expected to pitch until after the All-Star break, further highlighting the strain on the rotation. The bullpen has also been hit hard, with relievers like Kirby Yates and Blake Treinen sidelined, forcing less experienced or recently struggling pitchers into high-leverage roles.
Depth and Roster Construction
Yet, the Dodgers’ World Series odds have not wavered. They opened the season as +400 favorites, and those odds quickly shortened to +240, reflecting not only their dominant start but also the belief in their elite roster construction and organizational depth. The Dodgers’ ability to withstand injuries is no accident; it is the result of an aggressive offseason that saw the team add two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, and closer Tanner Scott, while also re-signing key contributors and shoring up their lineup with sluggers like Teoscar Hernández and Hyeseong Kim.
Dave Roberts’ Patient Approach
Manager Dave Roberts has addressed the injury situation steadily, emphasizing the importance of patience and player health over short-term fixes. When Tyler Glasnow left a game early in April due to discomfort, Roberts reassured fans that the injury was not serious, and he made it clear the team would not rush Glasnow or any other pitcher back before they are fully ready. “He just seemed uncomfortable trying to find his way through it. He went out there, threw one pitch, and he just couldn’t keep going,” Roberts said, underscoring the team’s commitment to long-term health over immediate results. This philosophy has been echoed throughout the organization, with the Dodgers opting to err on the side of caution and trust their depth rather than risk aggravating injuries.
The Looming Trade Deadline
As the July 31 trade deadline approaches, speculation is mounting about how the Dodgers will address their pitching shortages and any other roster needs. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has historically been aggressive at the deadline, acquiring marquee talent to bolster playoff runs. However, Friedman also desires to avoid relying on midseason trades, preferring to address as many needs as possible in the offseason. Still, the unpredictable nature of injuries means the Dodgers could be active in the market, especially if their pitching staff remains depleted.
Insiders expect the Dodgers to explore upgrades, particularly in the outfield and potentially in the bullpen, if the injury situation does not improve. Names like Luis Robert Jr. have been floated as possible trade targets, though the Dodgers’ priority will almost certainly be pitching if their current arms do not return to health in time. The team’s deep farm system and willingness to spend make them a likely player for any big names that become available.
Stepping Up and Staying the Course
In the meantime, the Dodgers’ depth has been tested, with lesser-known players and recent call-ups stepping into critical roles. While this has led to some inconsistency and a few tough losses—such as a recent sweep by the Angels where Tony Gonsolin, pressed into a frontline role, struggled with a bloody thumb—the team’s overall performance has not suffered enough to shake their status as favorites. Despite the injuries, their lineup remains the most potent in baseball, and their bullpen is still among the league’s best when healthy.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Ultimately, the Dodgers’ approach as the trade deadline nears will be shaped by the health of their pitching staff and the performance of their fill-ins. Roberts’ patient philosophy, combined with Friedman’s track record of bold moves, positions the Dodgers to either ride out the storm with internal options or make a splash if the right opportunity arises. For now, the betting markets and the baseball world continue to view Los Angeles as the team to beat, a testament to their resilience, depth, and championship pedigree—even as their pitching staff limps through the early summer.
