Dodgers Injury Bug Creeping From Pitching Staff To Lineup After 4 Latest Updates

For much of the 2025 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been defined by attrition—specifically on the mound. A staggering twelve pitchers currently sit on the injured list, forcing the organization to get creative with bullpen games, opener strategies, and Triple-A call-ups. But just as hope began to emerge with several arms inching closer to returns, the injury bug has pivoted—taking aim at the Dodgers’ position player core.

The most significant blow came last week, when Max Muncy suffered a left knee injury during a collision at third base with White Sox outfielder Michael A. Taylor. The initial optics were grim. Muncy’s knee appeared to hyperextend unnaturally, sparking concerns of a potential season-ending ligament tear. Fortunately for the Dodgers, imaging revealed a bone bruise with no structural damage. Muncy is expected to miss roughly six weeks, with a possible return by mid-to-late August.

While that diagnosis is relatively positive considering the visual of the injury, the absence is still meaningful. After a slow start to the year, Muncy had found his rhythm at the plate, slashing .282/.410/.546 with 12 home runs since May 1. His resurgence had quieted any chatter about a trade-deadline pursuit of a third baseman. Now, that storyline could be reexamined.

Dodgers’ Injury Woes Shift From Pitching to Lineup as Position Players Drop

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In the immediate aftermath, the Dodgers plan to patchwork third base with a combination of Miguel Rojas, Tommy Edman, and Enrique Hernández, while newly-acquired infielder CJ Alexander provides depth at Triple-A. But that stopgap approach has complications of its own.

Edman, who was expected to see the lion’s share of starts at third, is now dealing with a hairline fracture in his right pinky toe after being hit by a pitch. Although he’s unlikely to go on the injured list, the injury has limited his range and prompted the club to curtail his appearances in the outfield. His availability is currently being determined on a day-to-day basis.

Enrique Hernández, meanwhile, is battling persistent elbow soreness that has compromised his swing for over a month. After aggravating the injury further over the weekend, he was unavailable during the team’s series finale against Houston. Manager Dave Roberts admitted the injury has become more problematic and strongly hinted that an IL stint could be looming.

MLB: Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Dodgers
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Then there’s Teoscar Hernández, who fouled a ball off his foot on Saturday. Though imaging came back clean, he’s dealing with considerable soreness. Roberts stopped short of committing to a stint on the IL but acknowledged that more time off may be required if the issue lingers. Notably, Hernández is also mired in a slump, raising the question of whether a brief reset could be beneficial.

The cumulative effect of these ailments was on full display during the Dodgers’ dismal weekend against the Houston Astros. Swept in three games at home, Los Angeles was outscored 29-6. A short bench, combined with limited flexibility, left the club vulnerable and reactive—a rarity for a team built on depth and star power.

With just one healthy position player available off the bench on Sunday—a backup catcher—the Dodgers are facing the uncomfortable reality of reshuffling yet again. Outfielder James Outman, who has raked in Triple-A this season (.289 AVG, 20 HRs, .970 OPS), has joined the club in Milwaukee ahead of a critical road series against the Brewers. His arrival suggests a roster move is imminent, likely tied to Enrique Hernández or Teoscar Hernández’s status.

After months of navigating pitching shortages, the Dodgers now find themselves in uncharted waters: protecting an injury-riddled lineup at the same time their arms are finally getting healthy. For a team with championship aspirations, the margin for error continues to shrink—and July is shaping up to be a test not just of depth, but resilience.

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