The Los Angeles Dodgers, despite boasting the best record in baseball, are facing a significant weakness in their starting rotation as they enter the 2024 MLB playoffs. While they have stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, their pitching staff has been plagued by injuries, leaving them with a depleted rotation.
As they prepare to face the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series, the Dodgers are forced to rely on question marks in their starting rotation. Walker Buehler, who has struggled since returning from Tommy John surgery, is expected to start Game 3, but his performance is far from certain. Behind him, the Dodgers have a lack of depth, with a long list of injured pitchers, including Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow, and Dustin May.
One of the few bright spots in the rotation is Jack Flaherty, who was acquired at the trade deadline and has shown improved form this season. However, even he has had some hiccups, including a 6.43 ERA over his final three regular-season starts.
The Dodgers’ rotation woes are a major concern, especially given the strength of the teams they will face in the playoffs. While they have a potent offense, they will need to find a way to get consistent performances from their starters if they hope to make a deep run in the postseason.
Landon Knack, a young pitcher with an average fastball and slider combination, is likely to start Game 4, but his inexperience and lack of big-game experience make him a wild card. The Dodgers will need to rely on their bullpen and offense to bail out their struggling starters if they hope to advance to the National League Championship Series.
Despite their weaknesses, the Dodgers are still slight favorites to advance, but it will likely require a similar blueprint to their win over the Padres in Game 1, where they out-hit their shaky pitching. Can they overcome their rotation woes and make a deep run in the playoffs? Only time will tell.
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