The Los Angeles Dodgers currently have 14 pitchers on the injured list, the most in the Major Leagues. This includes an All-Star starting rotation made of Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Tony Gonsolin. As a result, the Dodgers have seemed to pick their farm system dry of arms. These pitchers rarely go beyond five innings a start, putting pressure on a bullpen that has logged more innings than any team in baseball. The question is, how soon can Los Angeles expect reinforcements to arrive? In some cases, it might be sooner than expected. Here’s a look at the potential timelines for some of these injured Dodgers.
Tentative Return Timelines for Injured Dodgers
The Starters
Emmet Sheehan who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, will make his fifth, and what appears to be his final rehab start tonight for Triple-A Oklahoma City. The right-hander didn’t go at least four innings, as expected, and he gave up four runs. Thus far, Sheehan had been impressive, allowing only one earned run over eight innings pitched, and adding 14 strikeouts. Depending on how this outing goes, Manager Dave Roberts said, there will be “a conversation” about him joining the Dodgers rotation. This conversation seems to signal the team’s urgency after Tony Gonsolin was sidelined with elbow pain. There has been no timeline determined for his return.
Interestingly, Ben Casparius, a solid bullpen option, has been designated as a starter going forward, until further notice. Of course, the return of Kirby Yates and Michael Kopech to the relief corps may have forced this decision.
The Unicorn’s Imminent Return
Shohei Ohtani completed a sim game just a few days ago. Those who viewed the session came away “impressed.” The lone resident of the 50/5o club had his entire arsenal on display. For his part, Dave Roberts said that chances of Ohtani returning before the All-Star Break “are north of zero.” This news is somewhat of a surprise given the fact that the Dodgers have been coy about Ohtani’s return to the mound in spring training.
Reading the Tea Leaves
Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell have both resumed bullpen sessions. Snell is doing so pain-free since before spring training. He is on target to return post-All-Star Break, perhaps mid-to-late July. Glasnow’s return is murky. Dave Roberts and he have different opinions on the left-hander’s rehab. However, Glasnow has never pitched more than 143 innings without getting hurt, so it’s something to keep in mind when gauging his comeback.
“Mr. Filthy”
Right-handed reliever Blake Treinen has missed most of the season due to forearm tightness. Beyond the fact that he has resumed throwing, the Dodgers are mum on a timeline. Treinen would be a huge boost to a weary bullpen. He was a reliable option in the 2024 postseason, but we will have to wait for more information. The only expectation should be that Los Angeles will be extremely cautious with their high-leverage reliever.
Other Players to Watch
Dave Roberts moved Teoscar Hernandez down in the lineup amid his struggles since returning from the injured list.
He responded by hitting a three-run home run to break the tie and give the Dodgers a 4-1 lead over the Padres in the sixth inning.
Clutch.pic.twitter.com/7NsVYpbsDk
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) June 11, 2025
Teoscar Hernández still hasn’t returned to his normal self since an abductor strain sent him to the IL. He seems a step slower in the field. However, the home run he hit against the San Diego Padres was pretty big. Also, Freddie Freeman, whose ankle still hasn’t fully recovered from offseason surgery, has now tweaked a quad. He was walking on the field quite gingerly yesterday. It may require a trip to the IL in the near future.
All in all, it remains a mixed bag for Dodger injuries. They have to hope that the team will get healthy eventually. But only time will tell.
Main Photo Credit: © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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