Dodgers Prepare Pitching Depth for Potential Playoff Injuries

LOS ANGELES, California – The Los Angeles Dodgers are actively addressing their pitching depth following a challenging 2024 postseason marked by injuries. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman disclosed that the team has made several key acquisitions this offseason, including pitchers Blake Snell, Kirby Yates, Roki Sasaki, and Tanner Scott.

These four pitchers, who faced injury setbacks this season, also played pivotal roles when other pitchers were sidelined. “Yeah, I guess we weren’t sure,” Friedman said. “But it wasn’t something where we were going to be really surprised. I think the whole point of depth is that injuries happen.” He noted the importance of being prepared for unexpected challenges.

Earlier this season, the Dodgers experienced a severe injury crisis, with as many as 15 pitchers on the injured list simultaneously in May. Despite these setbacks, the team maintained its position atop the NL West for much of the season due to its depth. Over the course of the season, Dodgers pitchers accumulated 20.8 fWAR, the second highest in Major League Baseball.

As the Dodgers face the Toronto Blue Jays trailing 3-2 in a critical World Series, they look to continue leveraging their pitching depth. Game 6, which starts Friday at 5:00 p.m. PT, will see Yoshinobu Yamamoto take the mound in hopes of extending the series to a decisive Game 7.

“I mean, they didn’t really get to me,” Snell remarked about his challenging performance in Game 5, during which he allowed five runs. “There’s only so much you can do.” The Dodgers are eager for a strong showing in Game 6, hoping their depth will provide the boost needed for a comeback.