The Los Angeles Dodgers enjoyed a strong showing against the New York Yankees on Saturday, posting 18 runs to earn their second win of the series.
But even after such a strong showing against one of the best teams in the American League, there’s reason to believe the Dodgers will struggle in their quest to win back-to-back championships. The team has been plagued by pitching injuries, as it was last year, and has used 13 different starters so far this season with several relievers on the injured list as well.
Though the Dodgers overcame a similar problem to win it all last season, the team attempted to fortify its staff with several additions this past winter, and the fact that the problem has persisted is forcing manager Dave Roberts to reevaluate. In the latest injury news, key reliever Evan Phillips has been ruled out for the rest of the season and perhaps 2026 as well.
Speaking with The New York Post’s Jon Heyman, Roberts “admitted they need to lower near-term expectations.”
“I’m just thinking about holding serve,” Roberts said. “With the teams we play, if we can just hold serve, come July and beyond, when we get to full health, we can take off from there.”
The Dodgers still have reason to believe they will be in better shape come the playoff time. Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is working his way back to the mound, as are Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Roki Sasaki.
But, given the number of arms that have faltered as the calendar turns to June, the team might need to start planning for some reinforcements. The front office went on another offseason shopping spree to avoid becoming a buyer at the trade deadline but that plan could still change.
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