Dodgers face pitching injuries with record payroll

The Dodgers are preparing for the possibility that two high-salary pitchers will miss significant time. A $69-million closer is expected to remain out until after the All-Star break. A $182-million starting pitcher is scheduled for elbow surgery next week.

Injury details The starting pitcher is set to have bone chips removed from his elbow. The typical recovery period for the procedure is 14 weeks, though a new surgical instrument may shorten that timeline. He is likely to return no earlier than July or August.

The team has relied on a six-man rotation through the early part of the season. Manager Dave Roberts said he does not want to reduce the number of days between starts for his pitchers. Roberts stated that the club currently lacks six candidates for the rotation.

Roster adjustments The club will need several position players to maintain or improve recent performance. A previously slumping outfielder must continue the form he showed in the past week. Other regulars are expected to provide consistent production while the pitching staff is stretched.

The team may turn to bullpen games once every six outings. That approach would increase workload for relievers already handling additional innings. Roberts noted that the club has faced similar stretches in past seasons and has managed through them.

The Dodgers defeated the Angels 6-0 on Friday in a game that originally featured a bullpen game. Three players hit home runs in the contest. The outcome occurred against a team that has struggled this season.