Dodgers Battle Injury Toll as World Series Three‑peat Chase Begins
The Los Angeles Dodgers have endured a season of injuries, ranking 11th in MLB’s injury severity index. Despite clinching the NL West and securing a 14th straight postseason berth, the team’s quest for a third consecutive World Series title hinges on the health of stars like Shohei Ohtani and Edwin…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Los Angeles Dodgers have navigated a season that feels more like a storm than a baseball schedule. With a roster peppered by shoulder, elbow, back, neck, knee, and hand injuries, the team’s pursuit of a historic three‑peat has been as much about survival as it is about performance.
Injury Burden Hits the Top 30
RotoWire’s latest injury severity rankings place the Dodgers 11th among all 30 MLB teams, a 75‑point score that reflects 11 players on the 60‑day injured list and six on 10‑ or 15‑day stints. The model assigns five points for each 60‑day placement and three for shorter absences, meaning long‑term injuries weigh heavily on the tally. This marks the first time the Dodgers have slipped out of the top 10 this season, a drop from 8th in August and a consistent top‑10 presence throughout the year.
Across the league, 526 roster players sit on injured lists, and the Dodgers have seen 26 different players placed on the IL this season. They lead the league in total days on the IL, with 2,194 days, and trail only the New York Yankees in estimated cash spent on injured players, at $83 million.
Key Players in the Lineup of Injuries
- Shohei Ohtani – The superstar is still on the 15‑day IL with lingering left‑knee and right‑biceps issues. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman reports he is "progressing well" and expects a return before the season’s end.
- Edwin Díaz – The All‑Star closer battled neck inflammation and was activated on Friday after being sidelined since August 18.
- Andy Pages – The All‑Star center fielder remains on the IL with a fractured left hand but could return during the Dodgers’ final homestand.
- Tyler Glasnow – Returned to the starting rotation after a three‑month absence due to lower back spasms.
- Blake Snell – Started the season on the IL for shoulder fatigue, underwent elbow surgery in May, and was activated in August. He was removed from a game in Cincinnati after one inning due to left groin tightness, a precautionary move that he expects to recover from quickly.
- Roki Sasaki – Has been on the IL since August 27 with a blister on his pitching hand.
- Will Smith – Returned after nearly three months of neck inflammation.
Season‑Long Resilience Pays Off
Despite the injury storm, the Dodgers clinched their 14th consecutive postseason appearance and secured the NL West for the 13th time in 14 seasons. Their record of 14 straight playoff berths is a testament to the organization’s depth and resilience. Yet the question now is whether enough of the roster will be healthy enough to survive October and bring home a third straight World Series title.
The Dodgers’ pursuit of a National League record—becoming the first NL franchise to win three consecutive World Series championships—depends on the timely return of their star players. With the regular season winding down, the team’s medical staff and coaching staff are under pressure to manage workloads and expedite recoveries without compromising performance.
What’s Next for the Dodgers?
As October approaches, the Dodgers will focus on maintaining roster stability while preparing for the postseason. The organization’s front office, led by Andrew Friedman, has emphasized the importance of player health and strategic roster moves. The team’s depth in pitching and hitting will be tested in the playoffs, where injuries could play a decisive role.
Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if the Dodgers can overcome their injury woes and secure a historic three‑peat. The outcome will not only define a season but also shape the franchise’s legacy in the National League.
Key facts
- Dodgers rank 11th in MLB injury severity index
- Key stars like Ohtani and Díaz are on the IL
- 14th straight postseason berth secured
- Highest total days on IL in the league
- Three‑peat pursuit depends on player health
Why it matters
The Dodgers’ injury crisis underscores the fragile balance between athletic performance and player health, especially when a historic championship run is on the line.
Frequently asked questions
How many players are on the Dodgers’ injured list?
The Dodgers have had 26 different players on the IL this season.
Which Dodgers player is expected to return soon?
Shohei Ohtani is projected to return before the end of the regular season.
What is the Dodgers’ injury severity score?
They have a 75‑point score, placing them 11th in MLB.
How many days have Dodgers players spent on the IL?
2,194 days, the highest in the league.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Dodgers battle MLB’s brutal injury toll as historic World Series three-peat chase begins”
