“Got a worn-out bullpen, it’s their own fault” - Former Angels manager blames Dodgers as pitching struggles persist amid postseason challenge
With the postseason just around the corner, several Major League teams are dealing with injuries to their players, especially within their pitching staffs. Among them are the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have many of their pitchers on the injured list with no quick return expected.
Right-handed pitcher Tyler Glasnow is unlikely to return for the 2024 season, and Gavin Stone is also in a similar situation while on the 15-day injured list. The Dodgers' pitching woes continue, including Clayton Kershaw and Tony Gonsolin, who are both in recovery assignments.
Recently, former LA Angels manager and coach Joe Maddon reacted to the Dodgers' pitching situation in an episode of "Super 70s Sports":
“Right now I’m listening about the Dodgers and their concerns going into the postseason; They don’t have enough starters. And even if they did, they don’t pitch deeply into the game and then you’ve got a worn-out bullpen. It’s their own fault. Don’t blame it on anything else,” Maddon said.
The Dodgers signed several pitchers with injury histories. Emmet Sheehan and River Ryan are both out for the 2024 season after undergoing season-ending surgeries. Dustin May, who missed time due to injuries over the last two seasons, is also sidelined after undergoing surgery for an esophageal tear.
In addition to the lack of pitchers, Joe Maddon also discussed another reason for the Dodgers’ injuries:
“Furthermore the chasing of velocity is really leading to a lot of injuries. There’s some horrible pitching mechanics going on right now that are not spoken about. That’s why all these guys are blowing out all these elbows and shoulders,” he added.
Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman reacts to pitching challenges
Earlier this month after Gavin Stone’s injury, the Los Angeles Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman addressed the team’s pitching injuries (via Dodgers Beat):
“It’s been a really challenging year on that front,” Friedman said. “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, with 90 wins and 62 losses and a .592 winning percentage, are leading the NL West. They are set to face the Miami Marlins on Thursday in the three-game series finale after splitting the first two games.