The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing a challenging juncture in their season as they grapple with a series of injuries that threaten to impact their postseason aspirations. Manager Dave Roberts recently confirmed that right-hander Gavin Stone is "very unlikely" to make a return this season due to persistent shoulder soreness, adding to the list of the Dodgers' pitching woes.
Stone, who has not pitched since August 31, made 25 starts before his deactivation. His contributions this season have been significant, boasting a 3.53 ERA (111 ERA+) and a commendable 3.14 strikeout-to-walk ratio. With an estimated 1.8 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), Stone's absence leaves a noticeable gap in the Dodgers' rotation.
Adding to the Dodgers' injury concerns is Tyler Glasnow, another critical arm whose health issues are casting a shadow over the team's postseason pitching depth. The team’s rotation is already stretched thin with the absence of key contributors including Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, River Ryan, and Emmet Sheehan.
Currently, the Dodgers’ rotation comprises Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Jack Flaherty, Walker Buehler, and Landon Knack. However, the team had to make a tough call with Bobby Miller, who was optioned to Triple-A after allowing four runs on seven hits over just two innings against the Miami Marlins. The Dodgers' strategic decisions will be crucial as they navigate these absences and attempt to stabilize their pitching lineup.
As Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman candidly put it, "I'm not sure. I'm optimistic he is going to do everything he possibly can. There's just so much unknown around it that we're going to do all we can to dominate each day, and hopefully, when he starts throwing, he can ramp up from there. It's just hard to speculate right now."
The Dodgers’ current record stands at 89-62, giving them a 3 1/2 game edge in the National League West. They are two games ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL's second seed but trail the Philadelphia Phillies by two games for the top spot. Each win or loss could significantly affect their seeding and home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Navigating these injuries and managing the available roster will be critical for the Dodgers as each game takes on added importance. The team’s ability to maintain their competitive edge despite their depleted pitching staff will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike.