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How Do Dodgers' Bullpen Injuries Affect Pitching Staff

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By TJ French | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 12:30 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers were the apparent winners of the MLB offseason after making multiple key signings and staying dedicated to getting better after their 2024 World Series title.

Many of those deals involved bolstering the starting rotation by signing Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki and then assuring the back end of the bullpen by adding Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates to a group of pitchers that hurled 33 scoreless innings in last year's playoff run.

Before the 2025 MLB season begins, Los Angeles is already dealing with some concerning injuries in the bullpen. It will be without Evan Phillips, Michael Kopech, and Brusdar Graterol to start the year. Kopech was added in the middle of the 2024 season, but he only pitched to a 1.13 ERA over 24 innings.

So, how do these pitching injuries affect the pitching staff? Well, it's known that the Dodgers will have one of the best and most productive rotations in the MLB.

If the top-line bullpen guys are limited or unable to pitch, they could rely on new faces like Ben Casparius and Anthony Banda, who have shown production in lower-leverage scenarios.

As the battle for the fifth rotation spot heats up, it could also help the bullpen if Landon Knack, Dustin May, or Tony Gonsolin can work as a long reliever. Phillips has been a reliable option for the last few seasons, and Kopech throws north of 100 MPH seemingly every outing.

Also unclear is the Dodgers' closer situation. The assumption is that it will be Scott, but it hasn't been officially announced. It may be a "closer by committee" situation, as Dave Roberts is still reluctant to name a guy.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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