The Dodgers and the Endless Battle With Starting Pitching Injuries

When it comes to starting pitching injuries, few organizations understand the challenge better than the Los Angeles Dodgers. Year after year, the Dodgers have proven that no amount of pitching depth is ever enough in Major League Baseball. In 2024, much like in previous seasons, the team once again finds itself navigating a complex web of injuries — and finding creative ways to remain competitive.

A Familiar Challenge for the Dodgers

Injuries to starting pitchers have become almost a rite of passage for the Dodgers. Last season, the team had to juggle rotations, use bullpen games, and call upon minor leaguers and midseason acquisitions just to keep the ship afloat. Despite these hurdles, the Dodgers managed to stay at the top of the National League standings, underscoring the depth and resilience of their roster.

This year, the pattern has repeated itself. Key starters have hit the injured list, leaving the coaching staff and front office to scramble for solutions once again.

Dodgers’ 2024 Injury Woes: Who’s Out?

Heading into the 2024 season, the Dodgers had high hopes for a formidable rotation. However, injuries quickly derailed those plans. Some of the major blows included:

• Walker Buehler: After a long recovery from Tommy John surgery, Buehler’s comeback was delayed further by setbacks in spring training.

• Clayton Kershaw: The veteran ace, a fixture in Dodgers’ history, has battled shoulder inflammation, limiting his innings early on.

• Tony Gonsolin: Persistent elbow issues have kept Gonsolin off the mound longer than expected.

• Ryan Pepiot: A promising young arm, Pepiot missed significant time with oblique and back injuries.

With these key pieces unavailable, the Dodgers were forced once again to dig deep into their system and seek external help.

Why the Dodgers Always Plan for Depth

The Dodgers’ philosophy is simple: you can never have enough starting pitching. It’s a mantra that has guided their roster construction under president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman.

The team invests heavily in starting pitching depth, not only at the major league level but throughout the minors. Whether it’s signing veteran free agents to minor league deals, developing top prospects like Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone, or trading for midseason reinforcements, the Dodgers understand that the grueling 162-game season will inevitably test even the deepest rosters.

“Depth isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity,” Friedman has emphasized. “Over a full season, injuries and unexpected struggles will happen. You have to be ready.”

How the Dodgers Are Adjusting in 2024

Faced with another wave of injuries, the Dodgers have turned to several strategies to patch together their rotation:

1. Relying on Top Prospects

Young pitchers like Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone have been thrust into key roles much earlier than initially planned. While growing pains are inevitable, both have shown flashes of the dominant arms they could become.

2. Creative Use of the Bullpen

The Dodgers have embraced bullpen games and openers, relying on strong relief pitching to cover innings traditionally handled by starters. Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, and Caleb Ferguson have stepped up when needed.

3. Veteran Free Agent Additions

Signing veterans like James Paxton and reuniting with familiar faces through minor league deals have helped the Dodgers patch holes temporarily. These short-term solutions buy time for injured players to heal.

4. Midseason Trade Deadline Moves

If history is any indicator, the Dodgers will be aggressive at the trade deadline. Whether it’s acquiring a frontline starter or adding depth arms, Los Angeles is always ready to deal from its prospect-rich farm system to strengthen the rotation.

The Dodgers’ Resilience: More Than Just Talent

It’s not just the Dodgers’ raw talent that keeps them competitive year after year; it’s their organizational culture of adaptability and resilience. Manager Dave Roberts has been praised for his steady leadership and ability to keep the team focused, no matter who is pitching on a given day.

“We believe in the next man up,” Roberts said after a recent injury to one of the starters. “Whoever’s called upon, we expect them to perform — and more often than not, they do.”

This culture permeates through the clubhouse. Veterans mentor young players, and everyone understands their role can shift at any moment. The Dodgers have created an environment where setbacks are not excuses but opportunities.

Why Pitching Depth Will Define the 2024 Season

In a National League packed with formidable opponents like the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Philadelphia Phillies, having a healthy, effective starting rotation could be the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit.

For the Dodgers, surviving the regular season grind without burning out the bullpen — and getting injured starters back for October — will be key.
Their ability to stay afloat despite injuries may not just keep them in the playoff race, but also prepare them for the brutal demands of postseason baseball.

Final Thoughts: The Never-Ending Need for Arms

The Los Angeles Dodgers have shown once again in 2024 that no amount of planning can completely shield a team from the randomness and cruelty of pitching injuries. However, they also continue to prove that building layers of depth, trusting in their young talent, and staying flexible are the best strategies for long-term success.

As the season progresses, fans can expect the Dodgers to continue adapting, evolving, and — most importantly — competing at a high level. Injuries may be unavoidable, but for the Dodgers, giving up is not an option.

Because if there’s one thing the Dodgers have made clear year after year, it’s this:
You can never, ever have enough starting pitching.