The Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching depth is being put to the test early in the 2025 season, as Blake Snell, their $182 million offseason signing, has been placed on the injured list due to shoulder inflammation. The team's first attempt to fill the void resulted in a disappointing 8-2 loss to the Washington Nationals, with Justin Wrobleski struggling on the mound. Despite the setback, an MRI revealed no structural damage in Snell's shoulder, allowing for a quick potential return. Manager Dave Roberts is optimistic, stating they will reassess Snell's condition next week. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are forced to lean on their depth, with plans to call up Landon Knack for the next game. The team's starting rotation is suffering, with other key pitchers, including Clayton Kershaw and Tony Gonsolin, also sidelined for various injuries, making this a crucial time for Los Angeles' depth to shine.

The Los Angeles Dodgers faced a challenging start to the 2025 MLB season, prioritizing pitching depth but suffering an early setback with Blake Snell's shoulder injury. The team placed the $182-million pitcher on the injured list after just two starts. In Snell's absence, Justin Wrobleski struggled in his first big-league start, leading to an 8-2 defeat against the Washington Nationals. Fortunately, Snell's MRI revealed no structural damage, and he is expected to return in a couple of weeks.

Despite the encouraging news, the Dodgers must navigate the early season with an untested rotation. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the team’s depth but pointed to the need for viable options while waiting for Snell's return. The Dodgers plan to call up Landon Knack for a spot start as roster management becomes crucial. Other pitchers like Tony Gonsolin, Clayton Kershaw, and Shohei Ohtani are also sidelined, adding to the team's pitching woes.

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a strategic move to bolster their pitching depth by selecting right-handed pitcher Matt Sauer’s contract. In a corresponding roster change, they optioned left-hander Justin Wrobleski to the minors while placing veteran Clayton Kershaw on the 60-day injured list as anticipated. Sauer, who impressed in spring training with a 7.71 ERA in 14 games last season, demonstrated promise with an impressive eight strikeouts over 7.2 innings this Spring. Meanwhile, Wrobleski showcased his potential with a 2-0 record and a 1.93 ERA during his appearances this spring. Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is set to begin his 18th season on the injured list, coming off an injury-plagued previous year. He is just 36 strikeouts away from hitting the 3,000 mark but is currently rehabilitating after offseason surgeries.

The Milwaukee Brewers are determined to keep star shortstop Willy Adames, but his projected $160 million market value may lead him to a larger market team. A potential trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers could see Adames replaced by Gavin Lux, who has shown promise in his five-year career.

In return, the Brewers could acquire Devin Williams, a top closer with one year of team control left. This move would allow Milwaukee to maximize Williams' trade value while preparing for Adames' likely exit.