URGENT UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen has taken another hit as Brock Stewart lands on the injured list due to “a little bit of shoulder inflammation,” as confirmed by manager Dave Roberts. This comes as the team grapples with a series of injuries that have left their relief options critically depleted.
Stewart, the only bullpen acquisition made before the trade deadline, will undergo further testing on Wednesday to assess the extent of his injury. His absence adds to the woes of a struggling Dodgers team, which has seen its division lead shrink to just one game following a disappointing 15-19 record since July.
In a troubling trend, the Dodgers now have six high-leverage relievers sidelined. Evan Phillips is out for the season due to Tommy John surgery, while Brusdar Graterol, Michael Kopech, Tanner Scott, and Kirby Yates are all on the mend. Despite this dire situation, Friedman remains optimistic about the team’s future.
“I think we have a very legitimate chance to have the most talented pitching staff in October we’ve ever had,” said Friedman, speaking before the Dodgers faced the Angels in the second game of a three-game series.
The Dodgers’ front office is hopeful for returns from the injured relievers soon. Kopech participated in a simulated game on Monday and could rejoin the squad before the end of the month, while Scott and Yates are also expected to face hitters this week.
However, the current state of the bullpen is alarming. Stewart struggled since his acquisition from the Minnesota Twins, allowing nine of the 20 batters faced to reach base. With the division-rival San Diego Padres making significant moves to bolster their roster, including acquiring star closer Mason Miller, the pressure is mounting on the Dodgers’ management.
Friedman acknowledged the challenges faced during the trade negotiations, stating, “It’s always that balance. Lining up on a trade is hard.” The team was in pursuit of larger names, including Griffin Jax and Steven Kwan, but ultimately decided against the deals due to high asking prices.
In addition to Stewart’s injury, the Dodgers have lost pitcher Tony Gonsolin for the remainder of the season after undergoing an internal brace procedure, which typically requires an eight- to ten-month recovery period. Despite these setbacks, the team’s rotation remains strong with stars like Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani.
Yet, the Dodgers face further challenges as their offense has plummeted to being among the bottom five in Major League Baseball in runs per game since July. The combination of a taxed bullpen and an underperforming offense has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Friedman remains steadfast, asserting that the pitching strength will emerge as the team pushes towards October. “Once we get to a good spot, I think it’s going to be a real strength for us,” he stated, emphasizing the need to qualify for the postseason first.
As the Dodgers continue to navigate these turbulent times, all eyes will be on Wednesday‘s testing results for Stewart, which will provide critical insight into the team’s future. The urgency to bolster the bullpen and regain momentum is paramount as the season progresses.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates on this developing story and the Dodgers’ efforts to secure a strong finish this season.
