The Dodgers’ pitching lineup was supposed to be the most dominant in the National League. A rotation sculpted in the image of a World Series contender. This includes the reigning Cy Young winner, the most coveted pitcher from Japan in a generation, and a fireballer with ace-level stuff, finally healthy. The Dodgers didn’t just dream of dominance—they planned for it, with Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow at the heart of their 2025 campaign.

But at times, reality doesn’t go as planned!

As the season unfolds, the injury bug is back. After Glasnow, still battling out his right elbow tendinitis that prematurely ended his 2024 season, Snell is now shut down indefinitely. As per the latest reports, the Dodgers have shut down their $182 million pitcher from throwing after he suffered an apparent setback in his rehab, casting a long shadow over their 2025 rotation plans.

Another blow to the team!

The Dodgers Nation cited The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya to report what Manager Dave Roberts felt after Snell played catch on Tuesday’s game, “Didn’t feel great!” The discomfort was enough to halt his progress, and the club has now shut him down from throwing entirely. Additional imaging may be on the horizon when the Dodgers return to Los Angeles later this week.

Whatever happens, the fine thread of optimism has surely been replaced by uncertainty, at least for now!

While the setback is frustrating for both player and club, the Dodgers have made one thing clear: They’re playing the long game. More than the grinding-through-April version of Blake Snell, LA needs his dominating self in September and October. Hence, resisting the impulse to rush their prized lefty back to the mound. Considering how Snell’s 3.95 ERA in the first half of the year gets better to a 2.32 ERA, once the postseason kicks in, it’s understandable why the Dodgers are taking things slow!

Snell is just the latest addition to the long list of injured Dodgers pitchers that includes Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow. Glasnow, who exited Sunday’s win over the Rangers with lower leg cramps, is on track to make his next start against Pittsburgh this weekend. And Kershaw, now 37 and fresh off offseason surgeries on both his toe and knee, has made his second rehab start this week.

And with that as the current scenario, it would be interesting to see how the club scrambles through new names.

Time for the Dodgers’ pitching rotation to get tested 

Who steps up in Snell’s absence?

For a team built on star power, the Dodgers have quietly constructed one of baseball’s deepest pitching arsenals. And now, with their high-priced lefty sidelined indefinitely, that depth will be tested. However, luckily for the Dodgers, reinforcements aren’t far behind.

Bobby Miller, once considered a future ace, continues to evolve with each outing, blending raw power with growing command. Gavin Stone has flashed maturity beyond his years, showing poise in high-leverage spots. Then there’s Emmet Sheehan, the hard-throwing right-hander with enough upside to keep hitters honest and the coaching staff optimistic.

These arms might not carry the pedigree of a Cy Young winner, but they bring something equally vital: Hunger. So, this is their opportunity—not just to fill innings, but to carve out roles on a team with championship aspirations.

Plus, reportedly, the Dodgers are looking towards their farm system to replace Snell. Yes, prospects from Triple-A might replace a veteran! So, the first name that stands out? A rising left-hander with poise, potential, and a penchant for pounding the zone: Justin Wrobleski.

The 24-year-old hasn’t pitched since April 1. However, when he did, he made it count, tossing 5.2 scoreless innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City. Probably looking every bit ready for the next level. While Wrobleski might not have the name recognition of Snell, he brings a similar profile: Left-handed, confident, and capable of missing bats.

Should the Dodgers give the kid the call, it wouldn’t be desperation—it would be opportunity meeting readiness. And sometimes, that’s how stars are born. Isn’t it?