The Los Angeles Dodgers are enduring a severe pitching crisis in May 2025, with 14 pitchers sidelined by injuries that have severely depleted their roster. Amid these challenges, the spotlight is on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the team’s standout pitcher, who has emerged as a critical component in holding the Dodgers together during this difficult stretch. The team’s ongoing struggles, evidenced by their recent 3-1 loss to the New York Mets, have underscored their vulnerability, particularly as fielding errors compound their troubles.

Injury woes continue for the Dodgers, particularly with reliever Evan Phillips, who has now been out for nearly three weeks due to a forearm issue without a clear return timeline. Manager Dave Roberts voiced growing concern over Phillips’ condition, stating,

It’s starting to get a little concerning. I don’t know how long we’re going to give it until he can attempt to start playing catch again, but I’m getting a little kind of concerned. Hoping for the best—he just hasn’t started playing because it still doesn’t feel correct.

—Dave Roberts

This absence has taken a toll on the bullpen, where Phillips had been a reliable force with 221 strikeouts during his tenure. The lack of his presence adds more strain on Yamamoto, who remains one of only two healthy pitchers from a group of seven new investments made over the past two seasons. Despite limited support, Yamamoto continues to impress, recently delivering seven shutout innings filled with eight strikeouts and nearly achieving a no-hitter, lowering his ERA to below 2.00.

Roberts highlighted Yamamoto’s composure under pressure remarking,

He’s calm in chaos, and that’s what makes him special.

—Dave Roberts

Yamamoto is slated to start against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday, facing off against Gavin Williams, who has had difficulties against the Dodgers. The team’s path forward depends heavily on Yamamoto maintaining his steady presence, as mistakes cannot be afforded in their current situation.

Dodgers Acquire Veteran Chris Stratton to Alleviate Pitching Pressure

In response to the team‘s dire pitching situation, the Dodgers have taken action by signing veteran right-hander Chris Stratton to a major league contract. Stratton, 34, brings a decade of major league experience and over 620 innings pitched, as well as postseason exposure, including a World Series ring earned with the Texas Rangers in 2023. Although his recent season with the Kansas City Royals was rough—registering a 7.94 ERA over 17 innings—the Dodgers hope his durability can provide much-needed relief.

The move came at the cost of adjusting the roster, with Bobby Miller sent to the minors and J.P. Feyereisen designated for assignment, signaling the urgency to reinforce the pitching staff. With other notable pitchers such as Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Clayton Kershaw unavailable due to injuries, the Dodgers have limited choices and are banking on Stratton’s veteran presence to stabilize their rotations and bullpen.

While the signing may only serve as a temporary patch, it highlights the severity of the pitching crisis and the lengths the Dodgers must go to remain competitive as the season progresses.

The Future of the Dodgers’ Pitching Staff Hinges on Yamamoto’s Performance and Team Overhaul Considerations

The Los Angeles Dodgers face an uncertain future with their pitching staff in disarray, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto continues to bear immense pressure as the team’s de facto ace. His recent performances have been encouraging, but the lack of reliable backups casts doubt on the team’s ability to sustain success through an injury-plagued stretch.

The reintroduction of Chris Stratton offers some respite, but with key players sidelined and manager Dave Roberts openly concerned about recovery timelines for vital bullpen arms, questions remain whether Yamamoto alone can carry the load or if the Dodgers must pursue larger structural changes to their roster.

Heading into key matchups like the upcoming game against the Guardians, the Dodgers need clean outings and consistent pitching to regain control of their season. With each game, the mounting pressure intensifies on Yamamoto and the fragile pitching staff to deliver results and prevent further decline.