Dodgers Analysis: With 30 pitchers already used in 2025, can the Dodgers push past their record-setting 40-pitcher mark from 2024?

With 30 pitchers already used in 2025, can the Dodgers’ deep roster push past their record-setting 40-pitcher mark from 2024?

The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been known for their pitching depth and strategic roster management. However, the 2025 season has seen an extraordinary reliance on a high number of pitchers, driven by injuries, performance fluctuations, and the demands of a grueling schedule.

As of June 11, 2025, the Dodgers have already deployed a significant number of pitchers, prompting speculation about whether they will surpass their franchise record of 40 pitchers used in the 2024 season.

As of June 10, 2025, reports indicate the Dodgers have used 30 pitchers this season, the highest total in Major League Baseball. Additionally, they have employed 14 different starting pitchers, also a league-leading figure. These numbers reflect games played through approximately 40% of the 162-game regular season, with the Dodgers holding a 40-28 record. The high pitcher count is notable given the season’s early stage, with roughly 94 games remaining.

Factors Driving High Pitcher Usage

Several factors have contributed to the Dodgers’ reliance on a large number of pitchers in 2025:

1. Injuries: The Dodgers have faced significant injury challenges. Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell stints on the injured list are just two examples, with others like Walker Buehler and Jack Flaherty becoming free agents post-2024, potentially leaving gaps. The team’s history of managing pitcher workloads carefully—often with short starts or “opener” strategies—has also necessitated more relievers.
   
2. Prospect Call-Ups: The Dodgers have leaned on their deep farm system, with prospects like Landon Knack and Jack Dreyer, whose contract was purchased from Triple-A, seeing action. The organization’s willingness to test young arms in the majors contributes to the high pitcher count.
   
3. Strategic Flexibility: Under manager Dave Roberts, the Dodgers frequently employ bullpen games, openers, and short starts to manage pitcher workloads and exploit matchups. This approach, while effective for winning games (evidenced by their 40-28 record), naturally increases the number of pitchers used over a season.

Will the Dodgers Surpass 40 Pitchers?

The Dodgers’ franchise record of 40 pitchers used in 2024 is already within reach, with 30 pitchers deployed by mid-June 2025:

• Current Pace: With 30 pitchers used in approximately 68 games, the Dodgers are averaging about 0.44 pitchers per game. If this pace holds over the remaining 94 games, they would use an additional 41 pitchers, bringing the total to 71 pitchers, well above the 40-pitcher threshold. Even a more conservative estimate, accounting for reduced usage as the roster stabilizes, suggests they could easily reach 45-50 pitchers by season’s end.
  
• Remaining Schedule: The Dodgers’ schedule includes challenging series against NL West rivals like the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants, as well as interleague matchups. These games may require additional pitching resources, especially if injuries persist or if the team experiments with new call-ups during less critical games.
  
• Injury and Roster Management: The Dodgers’ history of cautious pitcher management, combined with potential returns from the injured list (e.g., Glasnow, Snell), could slow the addition of new pitchers. However, their tendency to call up prospects for spot starts or relief appearances, as seen with players like Landon Knack, suggests continued roster churn.
  
• Postseason Push: As defending champions aiming to repeat, the Dodgers may prioritize resting key pitchers late in the season, leading to more minor league call-ups or bullpen games. This strategy could push the pitcher count higher, especially if they secure a playoff spot early and experiment with fringe roster players.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have already used 30 pitchers in the 2025 season, a remarkable figure given the season’s midpoint has not yet been reached. Driven by injuries, roster turnover, prospect call-ups, and strategic flexibility, their pitching usage is on a trajectory to surpass the franchise record of 40 pitchers set in 2024. Barring a significant stabilization of their rotation and bullpen, projections based on their current pace suggest they could use upwards of 45-50 pitchers by October.

While their depth and talent ensure competitiveness, the high pitcher count underscores the challenges of managing a championship-caliber staff in a demanding MLB season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Dodgers’ pitching carousel continues to spin at this historic rate.

Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!