The Los Angeles Dodgers’ clubhouse should come with a revolving door and an injury report ticker at this point. Monday’s announcement marked yet another chapter in the team’s ongoing effort to keep the roster stitched together as the injury bug continues to gnaw away at their depth.
This time, the headliner is right-hander Will Klein, acquired via trade with the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Joe Jacques. But as is often the case in L.A. this season, that was just one of many moving parts.
The Klein Gamble
Let’s call it what it is: Will Klein is a flier. The righty posted a ghastly 7.17 ERA in Triple-A Tacoma, and that was before Seattle released him. But the Dodgers, desperate for live arms and perhaps seeing something in his stuff (he’s shown flashes of swing-and-miss potential in the past), decided he was worth the risk. It is low-cost and low-expectation but potentially a minor-league fix with upside.
In exchange, they gave up Joe Jacques, a fringe bullpen piece who had limited action and limited upside. It’s not a blockbuster—it’s a Band-Aid. But that’s been the Dodgers’ M.O. in 2025.
Stratton Out, Loutos In, Davis Down
Meanwhile, the Dodgers designated Chris Stratton for assignment—a veteran who arrived with little fanfare and left with even less. In three brief appearances, he gave up two runs and walked two. The team was hoping for stability. Instead, they got a 6.09 ERA and a reason to move on.
Noah Davis, another short-term innings eater, was optioned to Triple-A after a couple of uneven outings. He did improve in his most recent appearance, but consistency hasn’t been his calling card. Replacing him is Ryan Loutos, a fresh arm trying to break through amid the Dodgers’ pitching chaos.
Dodgers Walking Wounded
Speaking of chaos—Luis Garcia is the 15th Dodgers pitcher on the IL, this time with an abductor strain. He was covering crucial late innings for a bullpen that has already thrown the most innings in MLB. Add to that the recent gut punch of closer Evan Phillips needing Tommy John surgery, and it’s no wonder L.A. is scavenging the league for depth.
And then there’s Tyler Glasnow, whose return is uncertain after reporting soreness while playing catch. That’s a red flag for a team that cannot afford more setbacks in the rotation.
Mookie Watch: Day-To-Day, Literally
As if the pitching issues weren’t enough, Mookie Betts remains sidelined for a fourth straight game with a broken toe. While he did take infield drills and run the bases Monday, the Dodgers are staying cautious. He hopes to return on Tuesday, but the mood remains “day-to-day.” As Vin Scully famously said—yes, we all are.
Dodgers Trying to Build Long-term Depth
This isn’t just roster management—it’s triage. The Dodgers, at 36–24, are still very much in the postseason hunt, but their roster is hanging on by duct tape and adrenaline. Every move now—Klein, Loutos, even shuffling fringe pieces—feels like an attempt to plug the next leak before the boat takes on more water.
The countdown to the July 31 trade deadline is already on, and if L.A. wants to repeat as Major League Baseball champs, these patchwork moves may soon need to give way to something far bolder. Until then, it’s survival mode in Chavez Ravine.
