Dodgers’ Future: Will Injuries Derail Their World Series Dreams?

By Oliver Wiener June 29, 2025 14:11

The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the 2025 season with high expectations, aiming to reclaim their status as World Series favorites. However, a barrage of injuries, particularly to their pitching staff, has cast a shadow over their championship aspirations. With key starters sidelined and a bullpen stretched thin, the Dodgers face a critical juncture: can they overcome these setbacks and still mount a serious postseason run?

The Injury Toll on the Dodgers’ Rotation

The Dodgers’ pitching woes have been well documented. As of late June, at least 15 pitchers are on the injured list, including crucial starters Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki. Glasnow has been out since late April with right shoulder inflammation and, after a rehab start in Triple-A, is tentatively expected back in mid-July. Snell, dealing with left shoulder inflammation, is also targeting a July return but is not yet ready to face hitters. Sasaki, who suffered a right shoulder impingement, was placed on the 60-day injured list in late June and may not return until after the All-Star break, if at all this season.

Adding to the rotation’s instability, Tony Gonsolin was shut down in mid-June with right elbow discomfort, and Evan Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery in early June, ending his season. The cumulative effect is stark: the Dodgers’ starters have pitched just 290.2 innings, dead last in MLB, forcing the bullpen to shoulder an unprecedented workload.

Bullpen Overuse and Its Consequences

The Dodgers’ bullpen leads the league in innings pitched with 264.1, an unsustainable figure that raises concerns about fatigue and effectiveness down the stretch. Manager Dave Roberts has expressed cautious optimism about the injured starters’ eventual returns but acknowledges the delicate balance required to avoid setbacks.

“There’s certainly a cautiousness to it,” Roberts said. “As you get deeper into the year, any setback could be detrimental for the rest of the season.” Roberts also highlighted the challenge of replicating the 2024 postseason scenario, where an injury-depleted pitching staff severely limited the Dodgers’ October success.

Offensive Stability Amid Pitching Uncertainty

While the pitching staff grapples with health issues, the Dodgers’ offense remains a relative bright spot. Players like Mookie Betts, nearing a return from a toe injury, and other core contributors have kept the team competitive. However, without consistent pitching, even a potent offense may struggle to carry the team through the grueling playoff grind.

Front Office and Roster Moves

The Dodgers’ front office has been proactive, using minor league depth and trades to patch holes. Edgardo Henriquez, recovering from a left metatarsal fracture, is close to returning, and Blake Treinen has resumed throwing after a forearm sprain. Yet, the sheer volume of injuries, including long-term recoveries for pitchers like Gavin Stone and River Ryan, limits the team’s options.

Can the Dodgers Overcome?

Despite the daunting injury list, the Dodgers remain in playoff contention, thanks to their talent and organizational depth. Their record stands at 98-64, with a .605 winning percentage, holding a narrow lead in the NL West. The key to sustaining their World Series hopes lies in the timely return of their injured starters and managing bullpen workloads effectively.

Veteran leadership and a strong clubhouse culture provide intangible assets that could help the team weather this storm. As Roberts noted, “We have confidence we’ll get our guys back, but we have to be smart and patient.”

Injuries have undeniably disrupted the Dodgers’ 2025 campaign, threatening to derail their World Series dreams. The extended absences of Glasnow, Snell, Sasaki, and others have forced the bullpen into overdrive and tested the team’s resilience. However, with key players nearing returns and a deep roster ready to step up, the Dodgers still possess the tools to compete.

The coming months will be critical. If the Dodgers can navigate these challenges without further setbacks and reestablish a healthy rotation, they remain a formidable force in the postseason. For now, fans must balance optimism with caution, hoping the team’s depth and determination can overcome the injury adversity that has defined their season.