Every Dodgers injury situation fans must be monitoring at 2026 spring training

The biggest challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers will face on their quest for a three-peat in 2026 isn't any of their NL West foes. It's not another NL behemoth, like the New York Mets. And it isn't a top AL contender, like the Toronto Blue Jays. No, the only thing that can truly derail the Dodgers is injuries.

The Dodgers will have several pieces who missed most or all of the 2025 season returning to the fold. Still, that's only part of the equation. Other players got hurt late in the year or dealt with maladies that required offseason surgery, and though the baseball-less winter might feel long, MLB has the shortest offseason of them all.

With spring training opening up, there will be several key injured and recovering Dodgers to keep an eye on.

The key Dodgers injury situations that must be monitored during spring training

Tommy Edman and Kiké Hernández

Tommy Edman and Kiké Hernández get lumped together for the similar roles they play for LA, and the degree of impact they have on the Dodgers' depth. Edman had offseason ankle surgery to remove a bone spur and repair a tendon, and his Opening Day status is in doubt. He's begun doing some light baseball work, such as dry swings and beginning his throwing progression. If all goes well, a return to action at or shortly after Opening Day is in the realm of possibility. If there's a setback, things could get more dicey.

As for Hernández, he had surgery on November 14 to repair a torn extensor tendon in his left elbow. His recovery is going well, but he's yet to start swinging a bat. His situation is one that will likely linger into the regular season, but as we all know, the most important thing is to have Kiké healthy and ready to go for the postseason.

In the meantime, youngster Alex Freeland is the biggest beneficiary of these increased reps and could look to make a mark after struggling in his big league debut last season, though Hyeseong Kim is also in the fold.

Blake Snell

Both times Blake Snell reached the 180-innings plateau, he took home Cy Young hardware. The other eight years of his career, he hasn't pitched more than 129 1/3 innings in any single campaign. He's coming off a full-season low of just 61 1/3 frames. And now, his left shoulder, which cost him four months, is barking again.

The Dodgers will be cautious with him, and Opening Day is almost certainly a no-go, but what will be important to watch for is if he can get enough ramp-up work in so that he's missing only weeks and not months when the regular season kicks off.

Evan Phillips

Evan Phillips could be a game-changer for Los Angeles once he's back, but the when is the biggest question. The reliable righty managed just 5 2/3 innings before undergoing Tommy John surgery in June. It takes a minimum of 12 months, and often a bit longer, to return to action, so July is probably the absolute earliest we can expect Phillips back on the mound.

The good news is that his rehab is going well, and as long as there are no setbacks in the future, he's slated to be something of a bonus trade deadline acquisition. Now let's just hope the bullpen isn't in dire straits like it was last season.

Gavin Stone and River Ryan

Gavin Stone and River Ryan are both huge parts of the depth equation for the Dodgers' rotation, and the good news is that after missing the entire 2025 season, both are back in action this spring.

Stone is back from shoulder surgery, while Ryan missed last year due to Tommy John surgery. Both apparently used the layoff to add muscle to improve durability. Seeing them take the mound this spring is an encouraging sign, and both could force their way into the six-man rotation conversation this spring. With Snell banged up, the depth they provide will hold added importance as well.