The last time we caught a glimpse of the Los Angeles Dodgers, their pitching staff was a band-aid solution at best. Their starters were sidelined by injuries, struggling to give anything more than a few innings before handing the ball off to an overworked bullpen that was holding on by a thread. As fans, we felt the tension, the uncertainty—how could a team with such a rich history and sky-high expectations falter so close to their ultimate goal?
Now, after a busy offseason filled with strategic signings and the anticipated comeback of some key veterans, the Dodgers are looking to turn the page on that struggle. The narrative is shifting from desperation to hope and excitement.
“It’s just great now that we have such depth,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shared with enthusiasm just before a recent Cactus League matchup at Camelback Ranch. It’s encouraging to hear these words from a leader who’s tasted both victory and defeat.
Last October, despite battling pitching challenges, the Dodgers showcased impressive resilience, eventually winning the World Series. Yet, even in their moment of triumph, the raw numbers told a different story. Their overall earned run average (ERA) settled at 4.50, ranking ninth among the twelve playoff teams, with starters managing a troubling 5.25 ERA—just above the last place in postseason performance. Those struggles were glaring, especially when you consider they often relied on “bullpen games” during the playoffs—a situation no team wants to find themselves in if they aim for glory.
“Obviously last year we saw what could happen,” said pitcher Clayton Kershaw, a powerhouse on the mound who’s eager for a comeback after undergoing foot and knee surgery. With a mere 32 strikeouts shy of 3,000, he knows this season could be monumental for him. “We were still throwing bullpen games in the postseason. That’s not the recipe,” he reflected, lamenting the tension the team endured.
While postseason aspirations seemed brighter because they ultimately won, it was clear that last season’s pitching woes loomed large. The rotation was thin, with only a few pitchers truly ready to take on the challenges of playoff baseball. The departures of pitchers Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler left fans on edge about how this season would unfold.
Fast forward to now, and the Dodger’s roster reads like a who’s who of elite pitchers. They’ve inked deals with Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, bolstering their lineup significantly. Moreover, the hopeful returns of Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and Kershaw from injury set the stage for what could be a nearly impenetrable pitching rotation. Fans can’t help but feel a sense of relief at this newfound strength, especially with Yoshinobu Yamamoto poised for his second major league season and Shohei Ohtani fine-tuning his skills in practice.
“It’s amazing. You have to give a lot of credit to our ownership for going after it,” Kershaw commented about the investments made, even as he sits on the sidelines for now. “We have so many talented arms. This year we might have overdone it with too many starters, but that’s a good thing.” One can’t help but appreciate Kershaw’s honesty; it’s a good problem to have, especially when turning the tide on last season’s narrative.
With a mind-boggling $199 million devoted to pitching out of their staggering $392.5 million payroll, the Dodgers are prepared to face whatever comes their way. Kershaw, in his 18th season, signed for $7.5 million, but his value goes beyond mere dollars—it’s the heart and soul he brings to the team that counts.
“Everything feels right in the world when you have Kersh back in Dodger blue,” gushed Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. “We can’t say we’re ever done. That’s not in our DNA. But we feel really good about the talent under this roof right now.” It’s refreshing to see such confidence, and it resonates with fans who yearn for a winning season.
As for Ohtani, he’s making headlines for all the right reasons—warming up after his surgery and performing at a remarkable 95 mph during his bullpen sessions. There’s a palpable excitement in the air as fans and teammates alike wonder when they’ll get to see him pitch. Last season brought him challenges, yet he still claimed the National League MVP title with a historic 50-homer, 50-steal season.
“I want to throw with even more intensity during my next bullpen session,” Ohtani shared, showing us he’s willing to push himself further. It’s these little insights that make us connect with him—the determination, the drive, the raw passion for the game.
However, the Dodgers know that the road ahead might not be simple. With Kershaw’s history of injuries, fans hold their breath in anticipation, wondering if the beloved pitcher will remain healthy enough to lead them once again. He hopes to finish his illustrious career in Dodger blue, and with every start, he cherishes the legacy he’s building—a legacy rooted in loyalty and commitment.
As the Dodgers gear up for their upcoming games in Japan, they’re not just playing; they’re making a statement. The world will be watching as they take on the Cubs and showcase the incredible talent they’ve amassed. These moments transcend the game—they connect cultures, celebrate baseball, and resonate with anyone who’s ever felt the thrill of the sport.
Kershaw, reflecting on the journey, states, “Playing with one team, it is special.” And as fans, we can’t help but feel that special aura surrounding the team. Here’s to hoping this season brings not just victories, but heartwarming moments that remind us all why we fell in love with this incredible game in the first place.
Image Source: Conor P. Fitzgerald / Shutterstock
