The current starting pitching rotation of the Los Angeles Dodgers is a mix of uncertainty and potential, raising critical questions about whether it has the firepower to drive the team deep into the 2024 playoffs. With the postseason set to begin in less than two months, the Dodgers need their rotation to be more than just serviceable — it must be a dynamic force capable of dominating games against high-quality teams.
The current mix includes established veterans, promising newcomers and players recovering from injuries, all of which contribute to a rotation that is both intriguing and unpredictable. As the Dodgers gear up for the stretch run, the performance of their starters will be pivotal in shaping their postseason success.
Jack Flaherty
Since joining the Dodgers from the Detroit Tigers, right-hander Jack Flaherty has already emerged as the team’s ace in the eyes of many. His transition has been marked by six shutout innings against the Oakland Athletics in his debut on Saturday, showcasing the dominance that made him a top pitcher earlier in his career.
Flaherty’s arrival could end up being a game-changer, potentially bringing a level of stability and strikeout capability that the Dodgers desperately need. His ability to handle high-pressure situations and provide length in games has solidified his role as one of the club’s best starting options, crucial for leading the rotation into October.
Tyler Glasnow
Behind Flaherty, righty Tyler Glasnow has positioned himself as the team’s second-best starter. Glasnow’s combination of velocity and breaking stuff makes him a formidable presence on the mound. Despite dealing with lower back tighness that could have been designed more as a brief resting period before the All-Star Game, Glasnow has demonstrated resilience and effectiveness.
Glasnow’s strikeout rate and ability to limit damage in critical moments add a significant layer of depth to the rotation, making him a key asset as the Dodgers look to secure their playoff positioning. Glasnow leads all Los Angeles starters with an even 121 innings pitched, a 0.959 WHIP and a 11.5 K/9.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Righty Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s return to peak form remains a significant question mark. Since being sidelined with a rotator cuff injury that landed him on the injured list on June 16, Yamamoto is finally making progress with his recovery. On Saturday, he threw a 20-pitch bullpen and is expected to throw a similar session on Tuesday.
The Dodgers are hopeful that Yamamoto can recapture the dominant form that characterized his previous seasons in Japan, but his recovery process and adaptation to MLB hitting remain areas of concern, especially when considering how much time remains in the season. A fully healthy and effective Yamamoto could provide a crucial boost to the rotation, but the uncertainty surrounding his health and performance makes his situation one of the most closely monitored aspects of the team’s pitching plans.
Clayton Kershaw
Veteran Clayton Kershaw’s effectiveness during the stretch run could be another key factor in the Dodgers’ playoff aspirations. The future Hall of Famer has shown flashes of his former self but has also battled through some inconsistency since returning from surgery that has kept him out since last fall.
As the postseason approaches, Kershaw’s experience and past successes could be vital for the Dodgers. Whether he can reach an effective level of performance and contribute meaningfully in high-pressure postseason scenarios may be critical to the team’s chances of advancing deep into October.
Gavin Stone, River Ryan and the Rest
Right-hander Gavin Stone is essentially auditioning for a potential postseason role, with his performance in the coming weeks likely determining his place in the playoff rotation. Stone’s development and ability to step up could provide the Dodgers with additional options as they fine-tune their postseason roster.
Similarly, young right-handers River Ryan, Landon Knack and Justin Wrobleski are in a comparable position, where their contributions in the final games of the season could influence whether they secure a spot in the postseason plans.
Righty Walker Buehler is also close to an MLB return despite several recent poor outings at Triple-A Oklahoma City.
In the end, the rotation’s success down the stretch will hinge on the health and performance of their top arms. With the postseason approaching, the team’s fate will largely depend on which pitchers are healthy and in peak form.
The combination of Flaherty, Glasnow, Kershaw — and potentially Yamamoto — along with emerging talents like Stone and Ryan, will be instrumental in determining how far the Dodgers can go. As the season progresses, the rotation’s ability to stay sharp and effective will be the key to their playoff success.