More than a third of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 40-man roster is currently on the Injured List, an early season gut punch that has fans holding their breath. A staggering twelve pitchers and two catchers are already sidelined, setting a challenging tone for their entire 2026 campaign.
The Pitching Staff Is Already A MASH Unit
The biggest hit comes to the pitching staff, which has twelve arms already designated to either the IL or 60-day IL. We’re talking about big names too, not just fringe guys. Tyler Glasnow and Brusdar Graterol, who are both crucial pieces, find themselves on the 60-day IL. Bobby Miller, Edwin Díaz, and Blake Treinen are also on the long list of injured hurlers. Other pitchers like Kris Bubic, Ben Casparius, Jake Cousins, Will Klein, Brock Stewart, Gavin Stone, and Justin Wrobleski round out the massive group, making manager Dave Roberts’ job that much harder from the jump. You’ve got to wonder how Executive Vice President and General Manager Brandon Gomes is planning to navigate this.
Luckily, some serious talent is still active on the mound. Roki Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Tarik Skubal are all listed as active. Add in arms like Eric Lauer, Evan Phillips, Tanner Scott, and Alex Vesia, and there’s still plenty of firepower. But that depth is going to be tested early and often with so many key players out. This isn’t just a bump in the road; it’s a giant crater they have to figure out how to drive around.
Ohtani Active, But Catchers Also Hit Hard
On the position player side, the good news is that two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is listed as active and ready to go for the 2026 season. That’s a huge relief, and fans will be looking for him to carry a big load. However, the catching department also took a hit with both Dalton Rushing and Will Smith, a key veteran, on the Injured List, with Smith specifically on the 60-day IL. This leaves Hunter Feduccia and Ben Rortvedt as the active catchers to shoulder the load behind the plate. The team needs them to step up big time, especially with such a young and evolving pitching staff trying to navigate all these injuries.
This is a wild way to start a season. With so many players dealing with injuries from the outset, the Dodgers are facing an uphill battle to keep pace. How they manage their active roster, rely on their depth, and hopefully get some of these guys back healthy will absolutely dictate their chances for the rest of the year. This isn’t just about winning games; it’s about surviving a marathon.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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