A Q&A on the depth of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers and injury status

As the 2025 season unfolds with a month into play, here's a fan Q&A with the Dodgers' pitcher lineup:

Ask: Despite the media and opponents questioning the Dodgers' overstocking of pitchers in the offseason, the first month of the season saw injuries to Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Tony Gonsolin, Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates were inconsistent, and the bullpen ate the most innings in the league...... Is management concerned that the existing pool of pitchers is still not enough to support the remaining six months of the schedule? —Kevin A. Ashland, Kentucky C

Answer: Any team, regardless of squad depth, will have this concern. Gonthorin was sidelined at the start of the season, and Snell and Blake Treinen were withdrawn in April to test the depth (Glasno's early exit due to cramps will not prevent him from starting next time). The first mover effect of the temporary Snell rotation was not good, which increased the burden on the cowshed. Theoretically, the Dodgers will have a deep pitcher group in the middle of the season, but the actual effect depends on the condition of the team returning from injury.

Ask: If Clayton Kershaw, Shohei Ohtani, Gonthorin and others return in January, how will the rotation be arranged? —Dave A. Brown, Yorba Linda, California K

Answer: This will become a "happy annoyance", but the likelihood of a healthy return to all employees is low. Dodgers may take a conservative approach to rehab pitchers, not accelerating the process if there is no urgent need. Kershaw could return before Ohtani could force either Gunsolin or Dustin May to move to the Long Relay, an option that was considered during the Spring Training No. 5 start-up race.

Ask: What do you think of rookie catcher Dalton Rushing's scheduling? Is it a waste to keep him in minor leagues? Outfield substitutes? If there is no injury in July trading? —Jeff A. Brown, North Carolina C

Answer: Racine (No. 28 on the top 100 rookies) is expected to move up this season, but a short-term substitution is unlikely. Ideally, they need to be guaranteed a chance to play every day. He has been a major catcher in Triple A this season (11 games), first base (2 games) and designated batting (3 games), and even made a cameo appearance in left fieldfield (1 inning). With the need for Will Smith and Freddie Freeman to rotate increases, the Dodgers may create multiple opportunities to balance their development with the needs of the team.