Dodgers Navigate Pitching Injuries Amid Deadline Trade Uncertainty

The Los Angeles Dodgers are contending at the top of the National League West in 2025 but face significant challenges due to a pitching staff plagued by over a dozen injuries, including key starters Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow. Despite suggestions from analysts like Jake Mintz to target St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Erick Fedde as an affordable and stabilizing rental option, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has expressed a strong preference against making a pitching trade at the deadline unless absolutely necessary. Friedman remains optimistic that injured players will return close to their expected timelines, which would reduce the need to acquire new pitchers. The Dodgers' rotation currently relies heavily on a few reliable starters like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Dustin May, but the team hopes to stay healthy and avoid costly trades that might sacrifice long-term assets. Friedman's cautious stance reflects a broader strategy of relying on the offseason to build pitching depth, while remaining open to aggressive moves only if the health situation deteriorates further. Ultimately, the Dodgers may add pitching help at the deadline if a favorable deal arises, but their preference is to trust in their current roster's recovery.