Injuries Cast a Shadow Over Dodgers’ Opening Day Preparations

The Los Angeles Dodgers, a franchise synonymous with success and a strong legacy in Major League Baseball, have always been a team that approaches Opening Day with optimism, pride, and excitement. The first game of the season represents a fresh start, a new opportunity for players to prove themselves, and for fans to witness the return of the nation’s favorite pastime. However, as the 2025 season draws near, the shadow of injuries looms large over the Dodgers’ preparations for Opening Day. With several key players sidelined due to injuries, the team is facing challenges in both the short and long term. This situation casts a cloud over the typically high spirits of spring training, and the Dodgers’ front office, coaches, and players are scrambling to adapt. This article will delve into the specifics of the injuries plaguing the team, the impact they will have on the Dodgers’ performance, and how the organization is navigating these hurdles as it prepares for Opening Day.

The Injury Epidemic

The Dodgers’ injury list as the 2025 season approaches is longer than they would have hoped. Despite the team’s rigorous conditioning programs and focus on health, it seems as if the injury bug has bitten at a particularly inopportune time. Injuries to both position players and pitchers have left key roles unfilled, and the organization has been forced to rely on depth and the hope that some players will recover quickly enough to contribute.

Key Players on the Injury List

1. Mookie Betts – Outfield (Oblique Strain)

   One of the most significant injuries for the Dodgers heading into the 2025 season involves outfielder Mookie Betts. The former MVP is not only one of the best hitters in baseball, but his ability to play multiple outfield positions at an elite level is invaluable to the Dodgers’ defense. Betts was a key contributor in 2024, both offensively and defensively, and the team’s hopes for success in 2025 were largely centered around his continued excellence. However, an oblique strain suffered during a spring training workout has caused concern. While the injury is not expected to be long-term, it does raise questions about Betts’ readiness for Opening Day and his ability to start the season at full strength. The Dodgers may need to rely on a combination of other outfielders in the short term, which could affect their batting order and defensive alignment.

2. Clayton Kershaw – Starting Pitcher (Back Issues)

   Another key player dealing with injury concerns is veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw. The future Hall of Famer has been dealing with ongoing back issues for the past few seasons, and as he gets older, these issues seem to be more persistent. Kershaw’s ability to start the season on time is in jeopardy, and even if he does manage to make it to the mound for Opening Day, his performance could be hampered by lingering discomfort. The Dodgers have been incredibly cautious with Kershaw, carefully managing his workload, but the back injury has left some uncertainty surrounding his role in the starting rotation. With the Dodgers already contending with injuries to other pitchers, Kershaw’s situation is one that will be closely monitored as the season begins.

3. Gavin Lux – Shortstop (Knee Injury)

   One of the most unexpected and troubling injuries for the Dodgers came in the form of an unfortunate knee injury to shortstop Gavin Lux. Lux, who had been slated to take over the starting shortstop role for the 2025 season after an impressive 2024 campaign, tore his ACL in an early spring training game. The injury was a significant blow to the Dodgers’ infield, as Lux was expected to be a cornerstone of the team’s defense and an important bat in the middle of the order. The ACL tear will sideline Lux for most, if not all, of the 2025 season, and the team now faces a hole at shortstop that is difficult to fill. The Dodgers will need to look at both internal and external options to fill the gap and keep their infield defense and offense competitive.

4. Dustin May – Starting Pitcher (Elbow Inflammation)

   Dustin May, a promising young starting pitcher with a fastball that can hit triple digits, has also been plagued by injuries in recent years. Heading into 2025, the team was hopeful that May would stay healthy and continue to build on his potential. However, an elbow inflammation issue arose during spring training, and May’s Opening Day status has now come into question. Although the injury is not deemed severe, the team is taking a cautious approach, and May’s absence could have a significant impact on the Dodgers’ pitching staff, particularly with Kershaw’s uncertain status. With May’s injury, the team is left scrambling to find a reliable fifth starter and maintain rotation depth.

5. Blake Treinen – Relief Pitcher (Shoulder Problems)

   The bullpen has also been hit by injury concerns, with right-handed reliever Blake Treinen being a key casualty. Treinen, who was expected to play a crucial role as a setup man in the bullpen, is dealing with ongoing shoulder problems. These issues have kept him sidelined for the beginning of the 2025 season, and while there is hope he may be able to return to form later in the year, the Dodgers’ bullpen will be missing a key piece in the early going. With Treinen out, the Dodgers may need to rely on other relievers to step up and fill the void, adding further uncertainty to an already fragile situation.

Depth, Adaptation, and the Dodgers’ Next Steps

The Dodgers’ front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, is no stranger to dealing with injuries. The team has a history of navigating difficult situations with savvy roster management, making shrewd trades, and identifying undervalued talent. As Opening Day approaches, the team will need to rely on this depth, both in terms of players and organizational flexibility, to weather the storm of injuries and position themselves for success in the long haul.

Infield and Shortstop Shuffle

With Gavin Lux out for the season, the Dodgers have already begun experimenting with different infield combinations. The team has several internal options to step into the shortstop role, including veterans like Miguel Rojas, who was acquired in the offseason from the Miami Marlins. Rojas is known for his elite defense at shortstop and could provide stability up the middle of the diamond. However, his bat has often been a question mark, and the Dodgers will need to balance his glove work with the offensive contributions of others in the infield. The team may also experiment with moving second baseman Max Muncy or utility player Chris Taylor to shortstop, although neither player is considered a true shortstop by trade. The depth in the Dodgers’ farm system also gives the organization options if they decide to call up a young player like Jacob Amaya or Michael Busch to provide some flexibility at shortstop.

Outfield Adjustments

With Mookie Betts sidelined temporarily due to his oblique injury, the Dodgers are forced to make some adjustments to their outfield. Betts is expected to miss some time, but it remains to be seen whether he will be ready for Opening Day. In the meantime, players like James Outman, who had a strong showing in 2024, and Trace Thompson will be expected to step up. The Dodgers also have a strong minor league system, and players like Bobby Miller and Andy Pages could be called upon to contribute in the outfield in the event of further injuries.

Pitching Staff Reshuffling

With both Kershaw’s back issues and Dustin May’s elbow inflammation, the Dodgers’ pitching staff is in a state of flux. The team is likely to lean heavily on ace Walker Buehler, who is coming off a stellar season in 2024, and hope that Julio Urias continues his rise as one of the most consistent pitchers in the league. The back end of the rotation, however, remains a concern. The Dodgers may look to internal options like Tony Gonsolin or Michael Grove to fill the gaps, but it’s clear that they will need someone to step up and provide depth.

If May’s injury lingers, the Dodgers could explore external trade options to bolster their pitching staff, as they have done in past seasons. Given the team’s deep pockets and the ever-changing landscape of the MLB trade market, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Dodgers make a move for a starter or reliever as the season progresses.

A Band-Aid on the Bullpen

Blake Treinen’s absence leaves a noticeable gap in the Dodgers’ bullpen, but the team has several options to compensate for his absence. Players like Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol, who have shown flashes of brilliance, will be asked to take on larger roles. Additionally, the Dodgers’ front office may look to add bullpen depth either through trades or by calling up younger pitchers from the minors.

As the 2025 MLB season looms large on the horizon, the Los Angeles Dodgers face an uncertain road to Opening Day. Injuries to key players such as Mookie Betts, Clayton Kershaw, Gavin Lux, Dustin May, and Blake Treinen have raised questions about the team’s readiness for the season ahead. The injuries have undoubtedly cast a shadow over the Dodgers’ preparations, but they have a deep and talented roster, capable leadership, and a front office that is no stranger to adversity.

While it’s impossible to predict how the injuries will affect the Dodgers’ performance in the early part of the season, one thing is clear: the team will need to rely on its depth, adaptability, and the next man up mentality to ensure that their championship window remains open. It’s likely that the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster will look somewhat different than originally planned, but they remain a team with the talent to contend, even in the face of adversity. With careful management of their injured players and a focus on health, the Dodgers could yet rise to the occasion and prove that, even with injuries, they remain one of the most formidable teams in Major League Baseball.