Dodgers forced to make MLB history as pitching injuries mount

Going into this season, it was expected that the Los Angeles Dodgers would have an excess of capable starting pitchers, but injuries have derailed the Dodgers' rotation. 

Los Angeles is atop the National League West division with a 23-11 record despite the team's numerous injuries. The Dodgers have many pitchers on the injured list, including Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Clayton Kershaw and multiple others. Shohei Ohtani also still has not pitched since the end of the 2023 season.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that with the mounting injuries to the Dodgers' pitching staff, the team unfortunately made MLB history, using eleven different starting pitchers before May. 

"Remember when everyone thought the Los Angeles Dodgers had too much pitching?" Nightengale wrote. "Well, they made history this past week when they became the first team in history to use 11 different starting pitchers before May, thanks to 13 pitchers on the IL. No pitching staff has produced fewer innings by their starters and no bullpen has thrown more innings."

Despite the Dodgers' ever-changing rotation, the team has been getting a lot out of their starters early this season. Los Angeles's pitching staff ranks in the upper half of the league in ERA, average against, strikeouts and earned runs allowed. 

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The Dodgers' pitching depth has saved them this season with all the injuries they've dealt with. The imminent return of Kershaw and Snell will give the Dodgers' rotation a much-needed boost. Los Angeles will be in a great position to make another run at the World Series if this is how the team is playing with so many injuries. 

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