Play ball is just around the corner. And while that brings great excitement for baseball fans, for the Los Angeles Dodgers it represents serious concern. Heading into Opening Day, injuries have hit the team hard.
The reigning champions have nearly a full roster on the injured list:
- Tommy Edman: 10-day IL due to right ankle surgery
- Blake Snell: left shoulder fatigue
- Gavin Stone: right shoulder inflammation
- Brusdar Graterol: right shoulder surgery
- Brock Stewart: right shoulder surgery
- Landon Knackecho: not announced
- Bobby Miller: 60-day IL, right shoulder soreness
The players listed above continue their recovery process in hopes of returning as soon as possible to help their team begin winning and contend for another title.
It is worth remembering that they are the current back-to-back champions and are aiming for a third consecutive title, asserting their dominance in this decade and making it clear they are the team to beat.
The start of the season for the Dodgers
For the reigning champions, the path to defending their crown will begin this Thursday, March 26, 2026, when they face the Arizona Diamondbacks, and will continue with the following games:
- March 27: vs. Arizona Diamondbacks. Emmet Sheehan vs. To be confirmed
- March 28: vs. Arizona Diamondbacks. Tyler Glasnow vs. To be confirmed
- March 30: vs. Cleveland Guardians. Roki Sasaki vs. Tanner Bibee
- March 31: vs. Cleveland Guardians. Shohei Ohtani vs. Gavin Williams
Despite the difficult circumstances, the Dodgers remain focused on starting the season strongly, even as they deal with significant absences across their roster.
The return of Shohei Ohtani to the mound
After undergoing surgery to address discomfort, the Dodgers’ Japanese superstar will return to pitching. His scheduled return is set for March 31, 2026, against the Cleveland Guardians.
It is important to note that the medical procedure took place in 2023 and was not a conventional Tommy John surgery, but rather a cutting-edge procedure designed to allow him to continue performing at the highest level both as a pitcher and as a hitter.
He received a living tissue graft to help ensure the longevity of his joint, enabling him to once again deliver powerful pitches to opposing hitters.
That is why in 2024, he served only as a batter, and for the first time since 2022, he will begin a season without restrictions, taking on the role of a regular starting pitcher.
This return represents a crucial development for the Dodgers, who will rely on Ohtani’s dual-threat capabilities to help offset the numerous injuries currently affecting the team and maintain their pursuit of another championship run.
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