Dodgers Starter Injured After Recent Cold Streak, All-Star Comes Off IL

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer on the injured list on Wednesday, while reactivating right-handed pitcher Blake Treinen from the injured list. Lauer's performance declined after starting in the team's 13-8 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, as he allowed seven runs in just three innings pitched. Prior to this setback, Lauer had been contributing well to the Dodgers' rotation, securing six quality starts out of his initial ten outings with the team.

Treinen, who had not pitched since June, had been dealing with elbow inflammation, leading him to be placed on the 15-day and then the 60-day injured lists last month. However, he has been performing impressively in rehab assignments, posting a 3.52 ERA over 23 innings pitched through 29 appearances this season. Treinen began his rehab assignment in mid-August and demonstrated his potential to return to the team sooner rather than later, as he struck out eight batters in seven appearances, allowing only two hits and two walks without a single run scored.

To accommodate Treinen's return, the Dodgers moved right-handed pitcher Will Klein to the 60-day injured list. The franchise has a few days to assess their rotation options, but they possess a wealth of alternatives to replace the left-hander. They recently ran a six-man rotation for the better part of the past year and a half, with Shohei Ohtani set to return to the mound, though his availability for the remainder of the year remains uncertain.

The Dodgers currently have Shohei Ohtani, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow healthy and could consider moving a bullpen arm into the rotation or even call up a new starter to fill the final spot. Justin Wrobleski, who had been away from the team, returned from the injured list ahead of Tuesday's game and could take up his previous position.

Other potential candidates include Gavin Stone, who is also returning from injury, and Emmet Sheehan, who is currently in the minor leagues. The Dodgers' rotation faced significant injuries over the past two months, with key players Ohtani, Wrobleski, and Sasaki needing time off the mound, and the team hopes that their crucial pitchers will all recover before the postseason.