The Dodgers need to avoid pitching pitfalls to prevent another short October

In 2022, a shocking event occurred that had a disastrous impact on the Los Angeles Dodgers, who had just set a franchise record for wins. This surprise disappearance signaled their downfall. More recently, the Dodgers’ offense fell silent after breaking a record for runs scored, leading to another frustrating defeat in the National League Division Series against the Diamondbacks. The Dodgers’ inability to generate offense has been a recurring theme in their consecutive first-round playoff exits.

Andrew Friedman, the president of baseball operations, repeatedly emphasized this factor when trying to make sense of the team’s repeated failures in October. The Dodgers’ star players struggled at the plate, and opposing pitchers, like Merrill Kelly of the Diamondbacks, exploited their offensive weaknesses. However, it is the pitching department, which has always been a strength of the franchise, that requires immediate attention as the team looks towards the upcoming offseason.

The belief that the Dodgers have enough pitching depth is flawed. Just take a look at the Brewers, who lost Brandon Woodruff right before the postseason, or the Braves, who faced injury concerns with Max Fried, Charlie Morton, and Kyle Wright. Both teams faced setbacks despite their 100-win campaigns. Although the Dodgers have excelled at preventing runs during the regular season, leading the league in ERA since 2019, their pitching staff has been worn down by injuries in the last three Octobers. It’s not a sustainable way for the Dodgers to continue.

“We would also like our pitchers to go deep into games, perform exceptionally well, and allow us to rely on our top bullpen arms,” stated Friedman. “That would provide us with a much more comfortable situation.”

The Dodgers had initially envisioned heading into the playoffs with a healthy Clayton Kershaw leading the rotation, supported by Julio Urias, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin. However, their postseason rotation consisted of a compromised Kershaw, an inexperienced rookie, and a veteran who gave up an unusually high number of home runs. This trend continued from previous seasons, where injuries and ineffectiveness hindered the impact of May and Gonsolin.

Throughout the summer, injuries and underwhelming performances forced the Dodgers to rely on their young pitching prospects. Despite showcasing the team’s ability to develop talented pitchers, this strategy came with growing pains, resulting in the Dodgers slipping to the 13th-best club ERA in baseball.

Friedman acknowledged that they could have potentially traded some of their young pitching depth to acquire a proven arm. The Dodgers possessed a highly regarded rotation at the Double-A level, which attracted attention from scouts. However, only one prominent arm, Nick Nastrini, was moved before the trade deadline.

In the regular season, the Dodgers’ success has been remarkable, defying expectations that high-spending teams inevitably decline. However, their shortcomings in October have come under intense scrutiny. Questions arise regarding whether the Dodgers have held onto their young talent for too long in hopes of maximizing their trade value rather than acquiring impact players that could help secure another championship.

The Dodgers’ main pitching acquisition at the trade deadline this year was Lance Lynn, an experienced veteran who unfortunately allowed a high number of home runs. Despite the organization’s hope that Lynn’s performance would improve in Los Angeles, he ended up setting a record for the sixth-most home runs allowed in a single season. Nevertheless, Lynn started Game 3 of the NLDS for the Dodgers, tasked with salvaging a series that had already started on a disastrous note.

The Dodgers entered the playoffs with an unconventional pitching plan that aimed to distribute the workload among multiple pitchers rather than relying on a few starters. However, due to their early deficits in games, manager Dave Roberts was unable to implement his strategy. The Dodgers found themselves in a situation where they needed to manage aggressively without having a lead to work with.

Friedman expressed his frustration with the scarcity of postseason starters who can go deep into games. Ironically, this postseason has seen several such starts from pitchers who were available in recent seasons. Zack Wheeler, who signed with the Phillies in 2020, has excelled in the playoffs. Justin Verlander continues to pitch effectively for the Astros. The Dodgers showed interest in trading for pitchers like Pablo López and Jordan Montgomery but failed to finalize those deals. Nathan Eovaldi, a free agent last winter, could potentially be pursued by the Dodgers this offseason.

There are several enticing pitching options available in free agency, such as Blake Snell, Sonny Gray, or Jordan Montgomery. Building a rotation around proven commodities would enhance the team’s chances of success, but it comes at a higher cost, both in trades and in free agency. While the Dodgers managed to find success with short-term signings like Andrew Heaney and Tyler Anderson, their failures with Syndergaard and Lynn highlighted the risks involved. The young pitchers on the Dodgers’ roster show promise, with Bobby Miller likely receiving Rookie of the Year votes and Ryan Pepiot impressing towards the end of the season. However, it remains uncertain if any of them can be the impact starter the Dodgers need.

Until these questions are answered and necessary additions are made, uncertainties loom over the Dodgers’ pitching staff. May and Gonsolin won’t be available at the start of the next season, Lynn’s option might not be picked up, and Kershaw’s future with the team is uncertain due to his shoulder injury. Despite the optimism surrounding Walker Buehler, who is recovering from surgery, the Dodgers still heavily rely on their young and unproven pitchers. It is likely that the Dodgers will need to add more than one proven arm, such as Verlander, Montgomery, or López, to strengthen their rotation.

The Dodgers have enjoyed tremendous success in the regular season, defying the expectations of a decline. However, their October failures have fueled doubts and criticism. People question whether the Dodgers have held onto their young prospects for too long, prioritizing long-term gains over the immediate impact required for another championship. The Dodgers’ main pitching acquisition during the trade deadline, Lance Lynn, failed to meet expectations. It is crucial for the Dodgers to address their pitching concerns by acquiring proven arms in order to improve their chances of success. Despite the challenges ahead, Friedman remains confident in the team’s position and ability to make strategic moves in the offseason.

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David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.