Just when it appeared that the Los Angeles Dodgers were one step closer to getting healthy, their bullpen took another step back. Sound familiar?
After acquiring right-handed relief pitcher Brock Stewart from the Minnesota Twins and rookie bullpen arm Paul Gervase from the Tampa Bay Rays at Thursday's trade deadline, the Dodgers announced Friday that they have placed reliever Kirby Yates on the injured list with lower back pain, retroactive to July 29. The total number of injured Dodgers pitchers is now at 12 and includes both their set-up man (Yates) and closer Tanner Scott.
Thursday's injury news marks the latest hurdle in Yates' short, yet frustrating tenure in Los Angeles. After posting a career best 1.17 ERA with the Texas Rangers last season, Yates has had an up-and-down season with the Dodgers so far since he signed in free agency last offseason. His ERA has ballooned up to 4.31, but his 13 holds are on pace to be among the best single-season totals of his career.
This is the second IL stint this season for Yates, who missed 18 games in May and June with a right hamstring strain.
The Dodgers added RHPs Paul Gervase, Brock Stewart and OF Alex Call to the active roster and placed RHP Kirby Yates on the injured list with lower back pain, retroactive to July 29.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 1, 2025
Dodgers reveal surprise Kirby Yates injury in roster move announcements after trade deadline
With Yates on the shelf, the Dodgers' bullpen depth will be tested yet again. They just recently got Blake Treinen back from the IL and brought in Stewart and Gervase at the deadline, but they have been undermanned all season, and Yates' injury simply continues an infuriating trend.
Evan Phillips is out for the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Injuries have limited Michael Kopech to just seven innings all year. The Dodgers are still holding out hope that Brusdar Graterol may be an option after offseason shoulder surgery. And the injury to Yates adds yet another wrinkle.
Once Stewart and/or Gervase make it into a game for the Dodgers, they will join the astoundingly long list of 37 different pitchers that Los Angeles has already used this season. The only team to use more pitchers in 2025 are the New York Mets, who have used 39. Lovely.
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