Dodgers’ Strategic Pitching Approach for the 2026 Season
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently provided updates on the team’s roster, particularly regarding the health and readiness of key pitchers. As the team looks ahead to defending their World Series title, a deliberate and cautious approach to player conditioning is taking shape.
Blake Snell’s Ramp-Up and Opening Day Readiness
Left-hander Blake Snell is making progress in his spring training build-up, but Roberts indicated that time is running short for him to be ready for Opening Day. This isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, as the Dodgers demonstrated a remarkable ability to manage their pitching staff during their championship run. They relied heavily on their starters, even utilizing them in relief, due to a somewhat shaky bullpen. Snell himself pitched crucial innings in the World Series, including a five-inning start in Game 1, 6 2/3 innings in Game 5, and an inning and a third out of the bullpen in the decisive Game 7.
Snell acknowledged feeling exhausted by the end of the series, prompting a collaborative plan with the club to prioritize a deliberate buildup. This strategy allows the Dodgers to focus on long-term health rather than rushing players for the start of the regular season – a luxury afforded by their deep and talented roster.
Prioritizing Long-Term Health and Depth
Yoshinobu Yamamoto was the only pitcher on the roster to exceed 113 innings last year, highlighting the Dodgers’ commitment to workload management. There’s no immediate pressure for Snell to be ready for Opening Day, as the rotation remains strong even in his absence. Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Emmet Sheehan are expected to secure four spots, with Roki Sasaki likely filling the fifth. A depth of potential starters, including River Ryan, Ben Casparius, Justin Wrobleski, Kyle Hurt, Gavin Stone, and Landon Knack, provides further flexibility.
Bullpen Concerns and Recovery Timelines
Right-hander Brusdar Graterol is currently in a “holding pattern” and hasn’t thrown off a mound recently. While it was already known he wouldn’t be ready for Opening Day, the lack of progress is noteworthy. Graterol was a key bullpen contributor from 2020 to 2023, boasting a 2.69 ERA over 173 2/3 innings, but has been limited by shoulder problems and a hamstring strain in recent seasons. Surgery on his shoulder sidelined him for the 2025 season, and he’s still working his way back to full health.
Similarly, right-hander Bobby Miller hasn’t thrown off a mound this spring due to an unspecified arm/shoulder issue. The team hopes he can ramp up in the coming weeks, contingent on his recovery. Miller’s trajectory has been somewhat unpredictable, showing promise in 2023 with a 3.76 ERA in 124 1/3 innings, but struggling in 2024 and 2025. He was transitioned to the bullpen in July 2025, but his performance didn’t improve significantly.
Dodgers’ Strategic Advantage and Potential for Success
The Dodgers’ ability to manage player health and leverage their depth is a significant advantage. They’ve demonstrated a willingness to prioritize long-term success over immediate results, a strategy that could pay dividends in October. The team’s aggressive offseason acquisitions have raised expectations, but Roberts and the coaching staff are focused on ensuring their players are healthy and prepared for a deep playoff run. The Dodgers’ approach to player management is a testament to their commitment to sustained success, and a model that other teams may struggle to replicate. The team’s financial flexibility and strong player development system allow them to implement this strategy effectively.
The question of whether the Dodgers are “manipulating” the injured list is a valid one, and MLB employs a Medical Director, Dr. Gary Green, to review medical reports related to IL placements. However, ultimately, a degree of trust must be placed in players’ self-reporting of pain and discomfort. The Dodgers’ success in navigating these rules, and their willingness to push the boundaries, has led to scrutiny and even rule changes in the past.
Ultimately, the Dodgers’ strategy is about maximizing their chances of winning, not just in the short term, but over the long haul. Their commitment to player health, combined with their depth and talent, makes them a formidable force in the 2026 season and beyond.
Photo courtesy of Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images
