Dodger acquisition Brock Stewart lands on the injured list, yet team president Friedman remains optimistic about the team's pitching prowess
Dodgers Brace for October with Injury Concerns Persisting
The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off their World Series victory last year, are gearing up for another postseason run, but injuries continue to pose a challenge.
Dodgers' President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman, has expressed confidence that the defending champions will get it together in time for October. If they qualify, they will arguably have their most talented pitching staff ever, according to Friedman.
The starting rotation is largely healthy, with Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki joining. However, the bullpen, which has been heavily relied upon due to the team's history of injuries in the pitching staff, is struggling to stay afloat. High-leverage veteran Blake Treinen is particularly struggling.
Key relievers Tanner Scott, Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, Michael Kopech, and Kirby Yates are all currently on the injured list. Scott and Yates are expected to return by the end of August, while Kopech's return is suggested right around August 27, though it could be delayed until roster expansions in September.
The injury sidelines Brock Stewart, who was the Dodgers' most significant addition from their quiet trade deadline. Stewart, a reliever, has been placed on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. The duration of Stewart's absence is uncertain, and further testing is scheduled for Wednesday.
Former All-Star starter Tony Gonsolin had an internal brace procedure, requiring 8 to 10 months of recovery time. He made only 7 starts this season in his return from Tommy John surgery in 2023. No recent injury update has been found for Gonsolin or Stewart.
Friedman stated that the first priority is to qualify for October. The Dodgers are currently playing without key relievers, and their bullpen's performance will be crucial in their quest for another World Series title.
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- Despite the Los Angeles Dodgers' confidence in qualifying for October, the ongoing concerns about their injury-plagued bullpen are causing a stir in Toronto's news circles, sparking discussions about their potential impact on the team's performance in the postseason.
- The health of key relievers such as Tanner Scott, Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, Michael Kopech, and Kirby Yates is under scrutiny in the health sector, as their timely returns could significantly influence the Dodgers' pitching performance in the MLB.
- The arts community in Toronto is closely following the Dodgers' injury saga, with the upcoming return of All-Star starter Tony Gonsolin after an internal brace procedure and Brock Stewart's recovery from right shoulder inflammation, adding an intriguing narrative to the Dodgers' pursuit of another World Series title.