The Los Angeles Dodgers are navigating a series of pitching injuries, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Brusdar Graterol, and Tyler Glasnow, preparing for a crucial series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. This series is pivotal in securing the National League West title and a first-round playoff bye. According to the Twin.com website, the Dodgers remain the heavy -250 favorites to win the division.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a prominent pitcher for the Dodgers, has recently made a significant step in his recovery journey. After spending over two months on the injured list, Yamamoto completed his first rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City. In this outing, he pitched two innings, allowing one hit and one earned run while striking out two batters and issuing no walks. Following his performance, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts reported, Yamamoto completed a 10-pitch bullpen session.
Roberts expressed optimism about Yamamoto’s progress, indicating plans to extend his workload in subsequent rehab starts. The aim is to increase his innings gradually and potentially reintegrate him into the Dodgers’ rotation soon. Before his injury, Yamamoto had a 6-2 record with a 2.92 ERA over 14 games. His mid-September return is anticipated to bolster the team’s pitching depth as they approach the postseason.
Brusdar Graterol
Reliever Brusdar Graterol is also on the mend. He recently completed a 30-pitch bullpen session without issues with his previously injured hamstring. Graterol’s recovery has been promising, and a minor-league rehab assignment will likely happen soon. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is hopeful Graterol will return to the bullpen by early September.
Graterol’s season has been marred by a persistent shoulder injury, which began in spring training and led to multiple setbacks. However, his recent progress has been encouraging. Graterol has been a crucial asset for the Dodgers, especially in postseason play, where he has consistently performed well. His return would provide the Dodgers with a versatile reliever capable of effectively facing right- and left-handed hitters.
Tyler Glasnow
Tyler Glasnow’s situation is more concerning. Initially placed on the injured list with elbow tendinitis, the expectation was that he would miss only a couple of starts. However, his recovery has been slower than anticipated. Manager Dave Roberts noted that Glasnow’s progress has been “slow-moving,” his return is now projected for mid-September.
Glasnow has been limited to playing catch, and he will need to undergo a minor-league rehab assignment before rejoining the Dodgers’ rotation. His absence is a significant blow, as Glasnow has been vital to the team’s pitching staff.
Dodgers Rotation Plans
The Dodgers will start Bobby Miller in tonight’s rubber game against the Orioles. Clayton Kershaw and Gavin Stone are scheduled to start Arizona’s first two games of the four-game series. Jack Flaherty is tentatively set to pitch on Sunday, though the team is cautious about starting pitchers on short rest. Flaherty’s availability will depend on his recovery from a recent wrist injury, but early indications are positive.
Walker Buehler perhaps had his best performance of the season against the Baltimore Orioles last night. He allowed four runs — two earned — and five hits in 4 2/3 innings in the Dodgers 6-4 victory. The right-hander struck out four and walked one. His next start may be against Arizona on Monday.
This upcoming series against the second-place Diamondbacks is crucial for the Dodgers. Securing victories would help them clinch the National League West title and earn a valuable first-round bye in the playoffs. With key pitchers returning and the rotation plans in place, the Dodgers are poised to make a strong push as the regular season nears its conclusion.