Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — Ahead of the Dodgers’ Friday game against the Guardians, Director of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman addressed the media, focusing heavily on the current state of the team’s pitching rotation, which has been plagued by injuries. This season, the Dodgers have had to dig deep into their pitching depth, and Friedman acknowledged the challenges, promising a thorough evaluation this winter to improve the team’s approach.
“It’s been a really challenging year on that front,” Friedman admitted. “It’s something we’re going to need to spend a lot of time on this winter, from when we onboard a pitcher through their development path at the major league level.”
The Dodgers, like many other teams, have been hit hard by injuries, but Friedman is determined to find solutions. “Obviously, it’s a problem in the industry,” he said, recognizing that injuries are an issue across the league. “But the injuries that are happening to us hit home in a way that others don’t.”
Friedman also discussed Gavin Stone, the Dodgers’ standout rookie, who was recently placed on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation. Stone has been a key figure in the rotation, and his absence is a significant blow. However, Friedman remains hopeful. “If he comes back and feels good and doesn’t have symptoms, I think we’re in a good spot. If he picks up the ball and has problems, then we’re in a tough spot.”
Stone’s status will be reevaluated after 10 days of rest, and while Friedman is cautious about making any promises, he emphasized the team’s commitment to doing everything they can to get him back on the mound.
The Dodgers’ rotation has faced further setbacks, with Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto both working their way back from injuries. Glasnow, who is recovering from elbow tendonitis, is steadily improving, with Friedman noting, “Every day has gotten better.” He also highlighted the importance of Yamamoto’s upcoming start against the Cubs, saying, “We have to continue to build good day on good day over and over again, and we’re optimistic at this point.”
One of the biggest question marks remains the status of veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who is dealing with a painful bone spur in his left toe. Kershaw continues to play catch, but his timetable for return is uncertain. “We’re continuing to do everything we can,” Friedman said, adding that the team is working on a solution to help Kershaw pitch comfortably again.
The injuries have left the Dodgers’ pitching depth in a precarious position as they prepare for the postseason. When asked about his confidence in the rotation’s ability to get through October, Friedman acknowledged the uncertainty. “We’ve got to figure out how to line up our starters and make sure they get enough workload to hit October in stride,” he said. “That’s where our mindset is—doing everything we can to be in the best spot possible.”
Despite the setbacks, Friedman praised the depth of the Dodgers’ roster, crediting several players for stepping up in difficult circumstances. “We spend a lot of time on the depth of our roster,” he said. “This year feels like even more so than others, and guys have stepped up.”
Looking ahead to the offseason, Friedman emphasized the importance of rethinking the team’s approach to pitcher development. “We need to be very thoughtful about studying this more and understanding what we know and what we don’t know,” he said. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and we need to create individualized programs for our pitchers.”
As the Dodgers push toward the postseason, Friedman is focused on finishing strong, while also laying the groundwork for a more robust and durable pitching staff in the future. “We’ll put together a group this offseason and be really thoughtful about it,” he concluded. “I’m hoping it will be incredibly productive.”
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