with a combination of proven talent and young, emerging arms. The team’s depth in the bullpen allows them to remain flexible and adjust to injuries as they occur. While Grove’s injury is certainly a setback, it highlights the importance of having multiple quality arms ready to step up when needed.
Evaluating Other Relievers’ Roles in the 2025 Bullpen
Grove’s absence means that other pitchers will need to step into more prominent roles. Among those who are expected to see increased responsibility are:
- Evan Phillips: Phillips has been one of the most consistent and reliable relievers for the Dodgers over the last few seasons. With an ERA of 3.47 in 2024 and his ability to handle high-leverage situations, Phillips will likely see even more opportunities in late-inning situations. The Dodgers will need him to step up as a key setup man or even a closer if needed, as he’s proven to be capable of handling pressure.
- Blake Treinen: As a veteran with a track record of success, Treinen will be a crucial part of the bullpen. Though he’s been somewhat injury-prone in recent years, his ability to come through in high-stakes moments remains invaluable. His return to form will be essential for the Dodgers, as Treinen has shown the ability to be a dominant force in the bullpen when healthy.
- Tanner Scott: The Dodgers’ investment in Scott signals their confidence in his ability to handle high-leverage innings. As a former closer with the Miami Marlins, Scott brings a wealth of experience, including his impressive strikeout rates and ability to handle tough situations. His addition to the bullpen further solidifies the depth and talent that will be needed to fill in for Grove’s absence.
Starting Rotation Adjustments and Potential Shifts
With Grove sidelined, the Dodgers may also need to consider how the absence impacts their starting rotation and bullpen usage. Given Grove’s ability to start and relieve, the Dodgers may look at using pitchers like Dustin May or Tony Gonsolin in more versatile roles, potentially as long relievers or as bulk guys after an opener. Both May and Gonsolin have shown flashes of brilliance as starters, but each has dealt with injury concerns over the past few years. By shifting them to bullpen roles, the Dodgers may be able to maximize their contributions while keeping them fresh for the long season ahead.
- Dustin May: May is coming off an injury-plagued 2024 season but still possesses one of the most electric fastballs in the game. He could play a pivotal role in middle relief, offering multiple innings of high-quality pitching. His potential as a long reliever or a multi-inning weapon gives the Dodgers flexibility, especially in games where the starting pitcher struggles.
- Tony Gonsolin: Gonsolin’s status as a reliable starter has been solidified over the past few seasons, but like May, he has battled injuries. Gonsolin’s ability to throw multiple innings could also make him an ideal candidate to contribute to the bullpen in a hybrid role. His ability to work multiple innings might allow the Dodgers to keep their bullpen fresh during the dog days of summer.
Both May and Gonsolin offer the Dodgers strategic options to balance the workload across their pitching staff. While neither is a traditional bullpen arm, their ability to fill versatile roles could allow the team to weather Grove’s absence effectively.
Looking Toward the Future: Potential Impact Beyond 2025
While Grove’s injury is a short-term concern for the Dodgers’ bullpen, it raises questions about the team’s long-term pitching depth. Grove had been expected to be part of the team’s core for years to come. His injury could be a cautionary tale for the Dodgers to strengthen their pitching pipeline even further, ensuring they don’t find themselves in a similar position in the future.
This injury also highlights the importance of developing younger pitching talent and continuing to build a deep roster of arms that can handle not only the demands of a 162-game regular season but also potential playoff games. The Dodgers have a strong reputation for player development, and many are hopeful that pitchers like Bobby Miller and Ryan Pepiot, both of whom are highly regarded, can continue their progression and provide additional options in the rotation and bullpen.
The team’s front office has been proactive in developing a deep farm system and acquiring key assets. With the 2025 season underway, the Dodgers’ focus will likely turn to finding a reliable mix of pitchers who can step up in the face of injuries and help the team reach the postseason once again.
Grove’s Role Moving Forward
Once Michael Grove is healthy, he will likely be expected to contribute in both the starting rotation and the bullpen. He’s a versatile arm who can handle different roles, making him a valuable asset to the Dodgers. The hope is that he can bounce back from his shoulder injury and return to form, potentially filling a swingman role or providing stability in the middle innings of games.
Grove’s ability to eat up innings and provide the team with multiple options out of the bullpen or in the rotation will be essential. The Dodgers’ long-term pitching plans likely depend on his development and ability to stay healthy. Should Grove return to full strength, he could once again become a reliable arm for the team, whether as a starter or a multi-inning reliever.
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