Complications for Dodgers as Injury Sidelines Key Pitcher

In a significant setback for the Los Angeles Dodgers, left-handed pitcher Alex Vesia has reportedly injured an intercostal muscle, making it highly doubtful that he will participate in the upcoming National League Championship Series. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed this on a Saturday, indicating a crucial loss for a team that heavily relies on its bullpen.

Vesia’s Injury: A Major Blow

Vesia was crucial in securing the final out of the seventh inning during Friday night’s NL Division Series Game 5. However, he signaled for medical assistance while preparing for the eighth inning, expressing discomfort in his right side. Now, the Dodgers will have to proceed without one of their most trusted high-stakes relief pitchers. Vesia had an impressive regular season, with a 1.76 ERA and 87 strikeouts in 66 and 1/3 innings.

The Struggle for the Dodgers

The Dodgers’ upcoming opponent, the New York Mets, tends to lean more heavily right-handed than their previous challenger, the San Diego Padres. Compounding the team’s problems, two of the Dodgers’ prominent right-handed relief pitchers, Joe Kelly and Brusdar Graterol, are unlikely to recover from their shoulder injuries in time to make the NLCS roster.

Getting Through with a Three-Man Rotation

The Dodgers are currently handling this postseason with a three-man rotation consisting of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Jack Flaherty, and Walker Buehler. Yamamoto, who emerged victorious in Game 5, will continue to enjoy an additional day of rest between starts, which means he’ll likely only pitch once in this series, probably in Game 4. With Tony Gonsolin not expected to be activated for the NLCS, the Dodgers may have to resort to two bullpen games in the best-of-seven series.

Exploring Other Pitching Options

The Dodgers have several options to fill the gap, including Michael Kopech, Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, Daniel Hudson, Ryan Brasier, and Anthony Banda. However, they will be missing a significant arm. Landon Knack, their only other current option for a starting pitcher, might have to cover several innings at some point. Alternatively, they may consider activating Brent Honeywell, a 29-year-old right-hander who is dealing with a cracked fingernail but has been participating in simulated games.

Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the potential for a couple of bullpen games, stating: “With that, we’re going to have to ask innings from other guys. That’s just the reality. In a seven-game series, we do not have the luxury to max out guys like we did from the bullpen in a five-game series.”