The Dodgers’ pitchers’ injury woes continue. Yes, they just can’t catch a break. The latest addition is their rookie pitcher, Edgardo Henriquez. He suffered a metatarsal injury that might make him unavailable for the opening day. Clayton Kershaw remains on the sidelines, meanwhile. Now, Henriquez further contributed to the already ravaged Dodgers’ bullpen.

However, much more than his injury, the Dodgers’ communication creates a buzz about what’s happening around Henriquez. An outright denial came when asked about the 22-year-old’s injury. Is Edgardo Henriquez too valuable for the Dodgers to make it to the injured list?

Before making it to the major leagues in 2024, Henriquez pitched at all four levels of the Dodgers’ organizational ladder, demonstrating his incredible ascent through the minor league ranks. Before his major league debut last year, Henriquez tossed 53 innings with an ERA of 2.72 in the minors. He gave up just 29 walks while striking out 88 batters.

In 2025, Henriquez pitched 3.1 innings in three spring games for the Dodgers. He walked two hitters, struck out five, and gave up two hits and one run.

Thus, a good throwing option in the bullpen for the Dodgers remains on the verge of making it to the injured list. 

As per MLB insider Bill Plunkett, the Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, said he wasn’t “ready” to answer questions about what happened. The team’s reluctance to comment on a player’s injury and further update is creating enough confusion. Edgardo Henriquez was already spotted wearing a walking boot on his left foot in the clubhouse. Safe to say that doesn’t paint a pretty picture.

An early sign of him being out of the first half of the season. Ah, not good! While this is a huge setback for the Dodgers’ bullpen, what’s next for them? 

Probable combinations for the Dodgers sans Henriquez

The Dodgers’ main concern is how to overcome the loss of Henriquez. In 2024, the Dodgers’ pitching staff had a hard time staying injury-free. Early in Dodgers training, Henriquez’s injury and the injuries to three other relievers remain a cause for concern.

For reference, Henriquez joins right-handers Michael Kopech and Evan Phillips on the roster of injured relievers for the reigning World Series champions. The Dodgers’ bullpen does include players like Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott. Yet, a few more could be needed to handle the frequent injuries.

The Dodgers’ bullpen was a strength last year, especially in the postseason. It kept them in games after the starting pitching collapsed, despite some difficulties in the middle of the season. With seasoned relievers like Alex Vesia, the Dodgers now have one of the strongest bullpens in the MLB. The bullpen’s back end is further strengthened with the return of veteran pitcher Blake Treinen.

Thus, the Dodgers’ bullpen remains sound enough to offer replacement for Henriquez. The Dodgers are also the only team to have 13 starting pitchers. In this case, the effectiveness of the relievers who are currently on the squad could determine Henriquez’s future with the team.

Edgardo Henriquez’s injury hampers the Dodgers’ bullpen depth but might still contribute significantly later this year if he recovers quickly. What do you think about the impact of Henriquez’s injury on the Dodgers? Share your views with us below.