The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the season with hopes of overwhelming opponents by stacking their lineup with three MVPs: Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman.
However, their starting rotation has faced challenges that complicate this plan.
On Wednesday, the team received some updates regarding their postseason rotation, though not all of it was positive.
Manager Dave Roberts announced that rookie sensation Gavin Stone is “very unlikely” to return this year due to a shoulder injury. This news adds to the struggles of a rotation that currently features Jack Flaherty, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler, and Landon Knack.
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Among the active pitchers, Yamamoto and Flaherty have shown some consistency, but their inexperience in high-stakes situations raises concerns for a team eyeing the championship. Yamamoto is in his debut MLB season after signing a record-breaking $325 million contract from Japan, while Flaherty has not pitched in the postseason since 2020.
The rotation’s fifth spot has been a revolving door, with Bobby Miller, who suffered a rough outing allowing four runs in just two innings, being sent back to the minors. Miller currently holds the highest ERA in the league for pitchers with 42 or more innings.
Along with Miller, the Dodgers also optioned righty Michael Grove and activated veteran reliever Joe Kelly, bringing up lefty Zach Logue from Triple-A. This roster shuffle sealed Miller’s fate for a postseason spot.
The Dodgers activated RHP Joe Kelly, selected the contract of LHP Zach Logue, and optioned RHPs Bobby Miller and Michael Grove. To accommodate Logue, they transferred RHP Tyler Glasnow to the 60-day injured list.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 18, 2024
The team had hoped to have Tyler Glasnow back from an elbow injury before season’s end, but after a simulated game was canceled, he was transferred to the 60-day injured list, officially ending his season.
On a brighter note, three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw reportedly threw a bullpen session exceeding 80 pitches. This is the first time he’s thrown this much since going on the injured list with a toe issue.
Kershaw has only made seven starts this year, as he also dealt with shoulder surgery recovery early in the season. If he returns to form, Kershaw could provide some much-needed stability to a frequently changing rotation. Despite these challenges, the Dodgers hold the second-best record in the National League at 89-62, proving their depth can still yield positive results.