Dodgers Shuffle Pitching Staff: Lauer Hits IL, Treinen Returns
The Los Angeles Dodgers placed left-hander Eric Lauer on the injured list with left elbow inflammation, a move that leaves the team with only four starting pitchers. Blake Treinen was activated from the 60-day IL to take his roster spot. Lauer had allowed seven runs in his last start, and the team may call up a spot starter for the weekend.
The Dodgers' rotation now consists of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow. Lauer's recent struggles—an 8.41 ERA since August—contrasted sharply with his strong start after the May trade from Toronto, where he posted a 2.96 ERA. The team will likely turn to Emmet Sheehan or Gavin Stone for a weekend spot start. Treinen returns with nearly four weeks to prepare for postseason high-leverage work, while Klein's bone chip issue ends his regular season.
This roster shuffle could affect the Dodgers' postseason trajectory, as pitching depth is critical in October. Fans and fantasy players may feel immediate impact, while the team's ability to absorb injuries without collapse could influence how other contenders approach their own rotations. The move also highlights the physical toll of a long season on pitchers, potentially shaping how teams manage workloads down the stretch.