No one is safe in the Dodgers starting rotation.
Gavin Stone was the last healthy Dodgers starting pitcher standing. But, like the rest of the rotation, the Dodgers placed Stone on the 15-day injured list on Sept. 6 with right shoulder inflammation. With Stone’s injury, every Dodgers starting pitcher has had to miss at least one start due to injury this season.
The rookie has not made a start since Aug. 31 in the Dodgers 8-6 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Stone allowed five of Arizona’s six runs across five innings.
On the bright side, Stone is making a big step in his recovery during the Dodgers’ four-game road series against the Braves. According to the Orange County Register’s Bill Plunkett, the 25-year-old will begin a throwing program this weekend.
Although Stone is beginning his rehab process, there is still no timetable for his return. With a little more than two weeks before the postseason, Stone is cutting it close.
The right-hander joins Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and River Ryan as starting pitchers on the IL. Gonsolin and Ryan are on the more severe 60-day IL, suggesting they will not return this season. Glasnow was supposed to pitch in a simulated game against batters on Friday but had to stop due to discomfort in his throwing arm. Kershaw, who is struggling with a toe injury, has pitched on a makeshift mound and is confident he will return for the postseason.
Injuries have been a glaring issue for the Dodgers rotation this season. When one pitcher returns, another one falls. Currently, the Los Angeles rotation consists of Jack Flaherty, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Bobby Miller, Landon Knack, and Walker Buehler.
A deep pitching staff is crucial for a long postseason run. With five series remaining in the regular season, the clock is ticking for these injured starters.
