The Los Angeles Dodgers are grappling with a wave of injuries that's threatening to derail their postseason aspirations. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that right-hander Gavin Stone is "very unlikely" to make a return this season due to persistent shoulder soreness.
Stone, who has not pitched since August 31, had been a crucial part of the Dodgers’ rotation, making 25 starts and posting a 3.53 ERA (111 ERA+) with a 3.14 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He also earned an estimated 1.8 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), underscoring his value to the team. His absence is not just a blow in terms of statistics but also a hit to the morale of a squad already coping with multiple injuries.
Joining Stone on the injury list is Tyler Glasnow, whose own health issues further compromise the Dodgers' pitching depth as they approach the postseason. With key contributors like Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, River Ryan, and Emmet Sheehan also sidelined, the Dodgers are facing a critical juncture in their season.
The current Dodgers rotation now includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Jack Flaherty, Walker Buehler, and Landon Knack. However, depth remains a concern. Bobby Miller's recent performance did little to alleviate these worries; he was optioned to Triple-A after allowing four runs on seven hits over two innings against the Miami Marlins. The task ahead for Dave Roberts and the Dodgers' coaching staff is daunting, requiring delicate management and strategic acumen to navigate these troubled waters.
As of Wednesday, the Dodgers sport an 89-62 record, holding a 3 1/2 game lead in the National League West. They are also two games ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL's second seed, but trail the Philadelphia Phillies by two games for the top seed. Every game will be crucial in the fight for advantageous postseason positioning and home-field advantage.
Dodgers' President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman, remains hopeful despite the uncertainty surrounding Stone's return. "I'm not sure," Friedman told MLB.com. "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' season has been a rollercoaster, characterized by both remarkable highs and challenging lows. The team's resilience has been tested, and their response in these final weeks will be pivotal. As the Dodgers aim to secure their place in the postseason, managing these pitching dilemmas will be critical.
The blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent in the Dodgers' pitching staff will need to rise to the occasion. Every win or loss can significantly impact their seeding and the potential advantages they might hold in the postseason. The health and performance of their pitchers will undoubtedly be a deciding factor in how far they can advance.
The road to the playoffs has no shortage of obstacles for the Dodgers, but this team has shown grit and determination throughout its storied history. As they contend with injuries and strive for success, the upcoming games will reveal whether they can overcome these challenges and make a deep postseason run.