For a franchise accustomed to championship-caliber starting pitching, the current state of the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation reads more like a medical journal than a depth chart. What was supposed to be one of baseball’s most formidable starting fives has instead become a casualty ward, leaving the defending World Series champions scrambling to piece together innings.
The numbers tell an unfortunate story — the team’s starting pitchers currently rank 22nd in the majors with a 4.27 overall ERA. This mark is a huge drop for an organization that has perennially finished in the top three. This isn’t only about underperformance — it’s the inevitable result of an injury epidemic that has systematically dismantled what should have been one of baseball’s most dominant rotations.
Blake Snell’s Light at the End of the Tunnel
After months of uncertainty that had both the organization and fans on edge, there’s finally encouraging news from the Blake Snell camp. The $182 million left-hander recently revealed he is no longer feeling any pain in his shoulder, marking a significant turning point after being sidelined since April 6.
“For a while, I had no idea,” Snell said last week. “It just hurt every time I threw a baseball. I was kinda nervous, because I’ve never felt that.”
The two-time Cy Young Award winner’s mysterious shoulder ailment that would seemingly change each time he threw, had been significantly concerning the Los Angeles brass. However, his recent revelation that he can now throw with no pain represents the first genuine breakthrough in his recovery.
Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior has been encouraged by what he’s observed during Snell’s recent bullpen sessions, noting that his arm looks free and easy for the first time probably all year. While a specific return timeline remains unclear, the fact that Snell can finally throw without discomfort suggests the worst may be behind him.
Tyler Glasnow’s Encouraging Progress
If there’s a silver lining to the Dodgers’ pitching crisis, it’s the steady progress being made by Tyler Glasnow. The right-hander recently completed his first simulated game since landing on the injured list with shoulder inflammation in late April, and manager Dave Roberts was thoroughly impressed with what he saw.
“It was really good,” Roberts said after watching Glasnow face live hitters. “I got to see it with my own eyes. The velocity was there, the swing and miss, the delivery. Talking to him after, he was really excited.”
The encouraging outing marked a significant step forward for Glasnow, who will progress to a two-inning simulated game next week as he continues his methodical buildup.
Perhaps more importantly, Glasnow appears to have resolved the mechanical issues that may have contributed to his shoulder problems. “A lot of this is kind of trusting my natural throw and just making sure all the staples of a healthy delivery are there,” Glasnow explained.
Roki Sasaki’s Concerning Standstill
While Snell and Glasnow show promising signs of progress, the situation surrounding Roki Sasaki remains deeply concerning. The 23-year-old Japanese phenom, who was expected to be a big part of the 2025 rotation, appears to be nowhere near return.
“Not a whole lot to report on Roki,” Prior said. “I think right now we’ve got to get him in a position where he feels confident in his ability to throw the baseball.”
The lack of progress is particularly troubling given that Sasaki is still limited to playing light catch and hasn’t reached the intensity level needed to advance in his rehabilitation.
Through eight starts before his injury, Sasaki posted a 3.72 ERA with concerning control issues — 24 strikeouts against 22 walks in 34.1 innings. Whether his struggles were mechanical, mental or injury-related remain unclear, but his extended absence suggests the shoulder impingement is more significant than initially believed.
Tony Gonsolin’s Cruel Twist of Fate
Perhaps no story better summarizes the team’s injury woes than that of Tony Gonsolin. The right-hander had finally returned from UCL surgery that cost him the entire 2024 season, only to suffer another elbow setback just as he was finding his footing. After struggling with a 5.00 ERA through seven starts, Gonsolin felt right elbow discomfort following his June 4th start against the Mets.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Gonsolin had missed the first month of the season with a back injury from lifting weights, then worked his way back into the rotation as one of the few reliable arms available. Fortunately, Roberts confirmed that the UCL is intact, suggesting this latest setback may be related to scar tissue or inflammation rather than structural damage.
Still, for a pitcher whose career has been defined by injury struggles, this represents another frustrating chapter. There is currently no timetable for his return, leaving the Dodgers to wonder when or if, they’ll see the pitcher who posted a 16-1 record with a 2.14 ERA during his 2022 All-Star campaign.
Shohei Ohtani’s Patient Return to the Mound
The most anticipated pitching return belongs to Shohei Ohtani, whose progression back to the mound continues at a deliberately measured pace. According to Prior, Ohtani needs to reach the 60 to 70-pitch range before he can start envisioning about being in a game.
During a recent simulated outing, Ohtani threw 44 pitches over three innings, marking continued progress in his return from elbow surgery. Roberts emphasized the organization’s commitment to patience, acknowledging the temptation to accelerate the timeline while maintaining their cautious approach.
“It’s tempting,” Roberts said. “I’m sure Shohei is tempted to just rip the Band-Aid off for a big league game. But I think we’ve done a good job of just being patient.”
The methodical approach suggests Ohtani’s pitching debut likely won’t come until after the All-Star break.
Clayton Kershaw’s Perfect Timing
Amid all the uncertainty surrounding the Dodgers’ injured stars, Clayton Kershaw is emerging as an unlikely source of stability. The 37-year-old future Hall of Famer made his season debut in May after recovering from offseason surgeries on his left toe and knee, and his timing couldn’t have been better.
While Kershaw’s velocity may not match his prime years, his recent performances have shown flashes of the dominant pitcher who once ruled the National League. In his latest start against the Giants on Saturday, he threw seven very strong shutout innings, surrendering just three hits and a walk while striking out five.
The Road Ahead
The Dodgers entered the season with championship aspirations built around rotation depth that now exists largely on paper. With 14 pitchers currently on the injured list, the organization faces an unprecedented challenge in maintaining their competitive edge while their stars recover.
However, there’s reason for cautious optimism. Snell’s pain-free throwing sessions suggest he could return within weeks rather than months. Glasnow’s successful simulation game indicates he’s moving toward the final stages of his recovery. Even Ohtani’s methodical progression, while slow, continues in the right direction.
The team’s ability to maintain their position atop the NL West despite these setbacks speaks to their organizational depth and resilience. But as the season progresses and the games become more consequential, they’ll need their star pitchers healthy and effective. The next few months will determine whether this injury-plagued rotation can transform back into the championship-caliber unit it was designed to be.
For now, the Dodgers continue to weather the storm, hoping that their patience with injured stars will be rewarded when it matters most.