The Los Angeles Dodgers are aware that every season has bumps in the road. Although they have a considerable cushion in the National League West, they have concerns going in to the remaining regular season and beyond. The most pressing issue being the health of Shohei Ohtani‘s left knee. The four-time MVP has not taken the mound since July 3rd in order to give Ohtani’s knee extended rest. Los Angeles has been aware of their star’s workload, and they are proceeding with caution.
Unfortunately, Ohtani is still experiencing notable discomfort, and there is no timeline for his return to the hill in the near future. Regardless of their depth, this is still a blow to Los Angeles. In addition, Manager Dave Roberts has been adamant in his intention to preserve the six-man rotation. Here are three ways that the Dodgers might address the superstar’s extended absence from the starting rotation.
Ohtani is currently throwing off flat ground in left field between games. Head trainer Thomas Albert and pitching coach Mark Prior are out watching.
ICYMI: the pitching plan for Shohei: https://t.co/kjlvroj6c6
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) July 19, 2026
Bullpen Games
Los Angeles has already employed two bullpen games in the last two weeks. They are no stranger to employing these tactics. They were forced to do them repeatedly in 2024 due to injuries in the starting rotation. Since we are past the All-Star break. There are more off days built into the calendar, and there are fewer games to cover the deeper we go into the season. However, when that many arms are used during the game, the margin for error is small. Not to mention the fact that the more innings the relievers log, the less effective they tend to be. Thus, the bullpen option is not an ideal option and should be used sparingly.
A Spot Start
The Dodgers could call up someone from Triple A Oklahoma City to spot start. Left-hander Cole Irvin has major-league experience. He currently has a 3.21 ERA this year. However, he’s been even better of late with an ERA of 1.02 over the last three starts with opposing batters having a batting average of .209. Unfortunately, River Ryan‘s call-up has been derailed by a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for more than a month.
Trade for A Fresh Arm
The trade deadline looms two weeks away. The Dodgers have shown the ability to fill holes when necessary. However, they have publicly stated that their deadline has not been diverted despite the significant injuries to Ohtani or catcher Will Smith for that matter. The president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has publicly stated that a deadline deal is not cheap, and he prefers to make cash deals in the offseason rather than spending prospect capital.
Good News on the Horizon?
Left-handed starter Blake Snell could join the club in August. Snell is recovering from elbow surgery and recently began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He said that this is the first time he’s pitched without pain in two years. In his initial outing, Snell went one and 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball. However, the jury is still out on Tyler Glasnow. Glasnow has been out since May with a back issue. Unfortunately, the recovery process has been slow. Thus far, every time the right-hander ramps up from playing catch, his back doesn’t respond well.
The Dodgers’ activity, or lack thereof, at the trade deadline may depend on Glasnow’s status. With less than two weeks to go now, the sooner Glasnow gets well, the better.
That said, Los Angeles still operates from a position of strength because of their lead in the National League West and the overall depth of the organization. They may do something in the next few weeks, but they will not be forced. Los Angeles, Ohtani included, has the luxury of being patient as they ready themselves for October. Right now, the calendar reads “July.”
Main Image Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
