Dodgers Pursue "Win-Now" Mentality Amidst Injuries
No team in Major League Baseball embodies the "win-now" mentality more clearly than the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fresh off their last World Series title in 2020, the Dodgers have relentlessly maintained their status as perennial contenders. Their absence from the playoffs since 2012 is a testament to their consistent excellence.
This past offseason, the Dodgers splashed a veritable truckload of cash to secure the signatures of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Teoscar Hernández through both free agency and trades. This aggressive strategy has kept them firmly on top, currently sitting in first place. However, the recent injury wave has altered their playing field.
The Dodgers have been plagued by injuries to several key players. Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, and Jason Heyward have all been sidelined but are expected to return soon. On the pitching front, the list of injured players includes Yamamoto, Glasnow, the legendary Clayton Kershaw, and Walker Buehler. In addition, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and Emmet Sheehan are also unavailable. Bobby Miller has been optioned back to the minors, leaving major gaps in the pitching rotation.
Currently, the Dodgers' rotation is being held together by James Paxton, Landon Knack, Gavin Stone, and Justin Wrobleski. Amidst this turmoil, there is a silver lining. Tyler Glasnow is expected to start on Wednesday and Clayton Kershaw aims for his 2024 debut on Thursday. These returns could not be timelier as the team looks to maintain its competitive edge.
The ongoing strategic positioning of the Dodgers, despite the spate of injuries, is reflective of their determination. "Recent injuries to the team didn't change how they'd operate in front of the trade deadline," remarked Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes. Indeed, the team’s focus remains on fortifying its roster for the long haul.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Dodgers are expected to be highly active in the market. Potential trade targets include Mason Miller, Tarik Skubal, Garrett Crochet, Chris Bassitt, and Kevin Gausman. Additionally, Erick Fedde's recent success with the White Sox, following a stint in Korea, has put him on the Dodgers' radar. Edgardo Henriquez has also emerged in trade discussions.
If there's one area that could still use reinforcement, it’s the bullpen. A constant need for depth, especially as injuries take their toll, remains a top priority. "Everyone could use bullpen depth, including the Dodgers,” underscores the organization's awareness of their needs.
In the pipeline, prospects Diego Cartaya and Dalton Rushing are honing their skills at Triple-A and Double-A, respectively. These young talents could soon make an impact on the big stage, providing much-needed support and energy to the Dodgers' roster.
Looking beyond this season, the Dodgers are already preparing for the future. Shohei Ohtani, a marquee acquisition, will integrate into the rotation next season, promising to be a game-changer. However, the Dodgers also face the prospect of two of their star pitchers, Kershaw and Buehler, entering free agency post-season.
With their eyes firmly set on the prize, the Dodgers are navigating the challenges posed by injuries and the competitive intensity of the season. Their resilience and strategic foresight continue to embody their "win-now" ethos, setting a hallmark for other teams in the league to emulate.