Here's Where the Depth Pays Off

That was a nice sweep of the Cubbies, but you have to consider that they are not a very good team and they are also young and not very sharp in the fundamentals. Still, the Dodgers should have swept them… and they did!

In case you haven’t been paying attention, the Dodgers have the following players on the Injured List:

• Caleb Ferguson – Not progressing as quickly as anticipated on returning from Tommy John Surgery. It’s going to take some time.
• Blake Treinen – His shoulder is still hurting. He will have an MRI, but he likely will not be back until after the All-Star Break… if he comes back.
• Victor Gonzalez – After looking the best he ever has, both physically and pitching-wise, he now has to have elbow surgery. What they find depends upon how long he will be out. It could be weeks or months.
• David Price – Still on the IL with COVID. He will likely die of a hangnail…
• Andrew Heaney – After an outstanding start, he was shelved with shoulder soreness but is back throwing and could be back in two or three weeks.
• Danny Duffy – Has not pitched for over a year but could be ready after the All-Star Break, but there are no guarantees. He could be an outstanding weapon… if healthy.
• Dustin May – He is due back in July or August, but in what capacity?
• Jimmy Nelson – It’s unlikely he will pitch until next year, like Tommy Kahnle.
• Mitch White – He is on the IL, but should be off soon and back to work as normal… between AAA and MLB.

There will be more injuries, some that will not be anticipated, but the Dodgers are poised to weather the storm. Robbie Erlin is up for a look-see right about now. He will have an opportunity and either seize it or move on. He is out of options. The Dodgers are being very deliberate with Tommy Kahnle, but look for him to assume Treinen’s set-up role soon, along with the Bazooka. Justin Bruihl did not do anything wrong and he will be back – they just want to see Erlin.

The Starting Rotation has been stellar, and Bickford, Vesia, Phillips, and Moronta have all had their moments in the bullpen. Daniel Hudson has settled in and is useful in a number of spots. All 5 have ERAs below 2.60. I would guess that we will be seeing Mitch White, Andre Jackson, and Michael Grove at some point in the near future as more sore arms, elbows, and shoulders surface. Ryan Pepiot could be called up, but they would have to clear a roster spot.

Dave Roberts is clearly being cautious with the Starters, so as to prevent injuries or strains… but invariably, it will happen. The depth will be taxed, and we will see the results. The Dodgers have had just six pitchers start games, and they have accounted for 15 of the Dodgers’ 19 wins. Impressive. Look at the starters’ ERA:

1. Heaney 0.00
2. Gonsolin 1.64
3. Kershaw 1.80
4. Urias 1.88
5. Buehler 1.96
6. Anderson 3.07

Pretty incredible. I was dead wrong about Clayton. Not only is his tank not empty, but he has a Supercharger! … and now the Dodgers look like they are starting to hit. Watch out!

Dodgers News & Notes

• Miguel Vargas was 1-3 with 2 RBI and 2 BB. He continues to take what they give him.
• Yadier Alvarez pitched on back-to-back days, albeit just one pitch yesterday where he induced a double-play.
• Shane Greene has only pitched 7 innings for OKC and has a 6.43 ERA, but he struck out three batters in 1.1 IP yesterday. He’s not on the 40-man.
• Bobby Miller pitched into the 5th inning Sunday and allowed 2 runs in the 5th before being removed. He allowed three hits and 3 ER while giving up 3 BBs and striking out 5. He pitched better than his line indicates because the runs scored after he was pulled.
• Busch and Amaya both had 2 Hits as Ward hit his 9th HR.
• Diego Cartaya was 1-4 with 2 Runs Scored, 3 RBI, and 1 BB. How long until Keith and Cartaya are promoted?
• All of the Dodger’s minor league teams have a winning record.

Happy Mother’s Day!

I have wished a Happy Mother’s Day to my wife and daughters (mothers to six granddaughters), but I wanted to just remember Dodger Blue Mom on your special day. You brightened this board and we miss you DBM. R.I.P.