Dodgers' injuries pile up after sweep by Astros

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers had no answers for the Houston Astros this weekend, being swept in a series that marks the second time they have been swept at home this season.

As the Dodgers were trailing 4-1 in the eighth inning with two outs, Freddie Freeman came to bat with runners on first and second, presenting an opportunity to tie the game. Unfortunately, he was unable to capitalize on the chance. The Astros managed to escape the inning unscathed, and Jose Altuve capped off the game with a solo home run in the ninth inning off left-hander Anthony Banda. This marked Altuve's third home run of the series.

Left-hander Tanner Scott entered the game in the eighth inning while facing a 2-1 deficit. He allowed back-to-back home runs, first to Christian Walker and then to Yanier Diaz. This sequence gave the Astros the advantage, leading them to a 5-1 victory over the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, completing the sweep on Sunday afternoon.

Despite the outcome on Sunday, Dave Roberts was pleased with right-hander Emmet Sheehan’s start. He pitched five innings, allowed five hits, one run, and one walk while striking out four batters.

“He threw the baseball really well,” Roberts. “Really good job tonight.”

Sheehan is confident he can stay in the rotation moving forward, which Roberts considers a realistic option as well.

“The curveball got away from me a little bit towards the end of the outing,” Sheehan said.

The Dodgers’ offense struggled this weekend as the Astros outscored them 29-6. On Sunday, right-hander Ryan Gusto (6-3, 4.61 ERA) pitched six innings, allowing four hits, one run, and one walk, along with one strikeout on 80 pitches.

“Give credit to their staff,” Roberts said. “I don’t think we really kinda took really good at bats collectively,”

The main concern for the Dodgers heading into the final week before the All-Star break is the health of their position players. There are ongoing questions regarding Teoscar Hernandez, Kike Hernandez, and Tommy Edman.

The Dodgers' pitching staff has faced significant challenges throughout the season, and this recent three-game sweep has highlighted just how fragile the team's depth truly is. Injuries—some minor and others more serious—are beginning to accumulate in a way that could jeopardize their championship hopes.

Roberts announced that Edman has a small fracture in his pinky toe. Edman will not be placed on the injured list as it will depend on his ability to manage pain.

Teoscar Hernandez suffered a foot injury from a foul ball on Saturday and was examined on Sunday, with the results coming back negative. Although Hernandez is still experiencing soreness, he will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis as the Dodgers embark on their final road trip to Milwaukee and San Francisco ahead of the All-Star break.

Kike Hernandez has been experiencing a left elbow issue for the past month, which makes it difficult for him to swing the bat without pain. While the pain doesn't affect his defensive play, it certainly impacts his batting and ability to take swings.

Despite the injuries, the Dodgers remain hopeful that their chances moving forward won't be compromised, as they anticipate the return of three pitchers in the coming week.

Blake Snell faces significant pressure to demonstrate that he can still be a top-tier pitcher in a league brimming with young, talented arms. However, his journey is more about proving something to himself than to anyone else. If he can remain healthy and recapture his Cy Young form, Snell could be a crucial asset to a starting rotation that has struggled throughout the year.

Snell will make a rehab start this week with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes as he prepares to return to the mound after the All-Star break.

Treinen was one of the most formidable closers in baseball over the past few seasons. Serving as both a setup man and closer for the Dodgers, his 98 mph sinker and sharp slider made him an essential asset at the back end of the bullpen. However, his career took a sharp turn after he began experiencing a series of shoulder and back injuries in 2022. In 2023, he was forced to miss the entire season, raising concerns about whether the 37-year-old would ever be able to return to his previous form.

If Treinen can maintain his health for the rest of the 2025 season, the Dodgers could once again have one of the league's top late-inning pitchers. Treinen adds a valuable right-handed option to the bullpen for crucial moments in games. A healthy Treinen could be the key difference between an early postseason exit and winning a World Series championship.

The Dodgers are optimistic that Tyler Glasnow's return will be the key element they need to propel them towards another deep playoff run. His development as a pitcher is already evident on the mound. Glasnow is no longer solely relying on overwhelming hitters with his velocity—although he still possesses that ability. Instead, he is pitching with greater composure, strategically using his array of pitches to keep hitters off balance. This evolution in his pitching style will benefit him as he aims to regain his elite status.

Roberts stated on Sunday that Glasnow will start this week for the first time since April 27 of this season.

Glasnow, 31, is beginning his second season with the Dodgers and is eager to demonstrate his value beyond what he has shown so far. He signed a four-year deal worth $115 million, which includes a team option for the fourth year.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, named an All-Star for the first time, will start on Monday against the Brewers, followed by Clayton Kershaw on Tuesday and potentially Tyler Glasnow on Wednesday.

Whether the Dodgers can bounce back and regain their health (and form) will determine if they’re a World Series contender or just another team with potential that falls short due to circumstances beyond their control.