SAN DIEGO — The Dodgers’ pitching depth is being tested – and it comes as no surprise to them
“Never,” General Manager Brandon Gomes said with a wry smile. “(Before the season, people said), ‘You’re going to have tough decisions, too much pitching depth.’ … We’ve dealt with this in the past. It’s the reason why you try to go in with as much depth as you can, knowing that things can happen.
“You hope that they don’t pile up all at the same time, which has happened as of late. But we’ll keep navigating it. We’ll work through it like we have in the past.”
Part of their navigation plan is Eric Lauer. The veteran left-hander was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday in exchange for cash considerations. The Blue Jays are expected to pick up most of Lauer’s remaining salary ($2.5 million of $4.4 million).
The 30-year-old has not reported to the Dodgers yet. But when he does, Gomes said the Dodgers are leaning toward using him as a starter “for now,” though not immediately. With an off day Thursday, the Dodgers could do without a sixth starter until May 27 against the Colorado Rockies.
But maintaining a six-man rotation is a priority even with Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow sidelined.
“Yeah, really important,” Gomes said. “Part of the thinking is to not create this domino effect of chasing our tails. Trying to maintain a similar schedule as we’ve had, and when we can get guys extra days’ rest, do it. If we don’t need it, and we’re trying to line things up a different way, just maintain the flexibility to be able to do that.
“The biggest thing is making sure we’re balancing winning as many games as possible but not panicking and throwing our process out of whack here.”
A veteran of eight major-league seasons, Lauer was out of the majors for the entire 2024 season and even spent time pitching in South Korea. He returned with the Blue Jays in 2025 and went 9-2 with a 3.18 ERA as a starter and long reliever for the American League pennant winners. He made two appearances in the World Series against the Dodgers and pitched 5⅔ scoreless innings.
But this season did not go well in Toronto. He had a 6.69 ERA over eight appearances and chafed over the Blue Jays’ decision to use an opener in front of him. He was designated for assignment last week.
“Obviously Eric’s coming off a great year last year. This year he’s shown signs of being effective but not quite to the level of last year,” Gomes said.
“We’ve had our guys take a look and we’ll sit down and talk through some stuff, see how much we can do on the fly, how much of it is not just subconscious but – we know the makeup is really good, and we’re looking forward to getting our hands on him and helping him be as successful as he’s been in the past.”
Snell will have loose bodies removed from his elbow on Tuesday and Gomes said “the hope and expectation” is Dr. Neal ElAttrache will be able to use the ‘NanoNeedle’ device, shortening the recovery time.
“Obviously we don’t know 100% until they’re in there, but that’s what we’re expecting,” the GM said.
Glasnow, meanwhile, has stopped his throwing program for “a few days” after renewed back pain.
“No concern long-term,” Gomes said. “But a little slower on the front end than we expected.”
MORE MOVES
The Dodgers also signed right-hander Jonathan Hernandez and added him to the active roster. Right-hander Chayce McDermott was returned to Triple-A Oklahoma City after pitching a scoreless inning for the Dodgers on Sunday.
Hernandez, 29, is a hard-throwing reliever whose career has been pockmarked by injuries. He has not pitched in the majors since making 29 appearances with the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners in 2024. He pitched briefly for the Tampa Bay Rays’ Triple-A team last year and the Philadelphia Phillies this season.
When the Phillies did not promote him to the majors by Sunday, he triggered an opt-out clause, was given his release and signed as a free agent with the Dodgers.
In order to add Hernandez to the 40-man roster, the Dodgers moved Brusdar Graterol to the 60-day IL.
Graterol had shoulder surgery following the 2024 World Series and has experienced multiple setbacks in his attempt to return. He was pitching for OKC on a rehab assignment when he injured his back last week. Gomes said Graterol is meeting with doctors to determine “the next step” but the GM acknowledged surgery is a potential option.
“He’s worked really hard, so we’re trying to exhaust all options,” he said.
UP NEXT
Dodgers (RHP Emmet Sheehan, 3-1, 4.54 ERA) at Padres (RHP Griffin Canning, 0-2, 10.64 ERA), Tuesday, 6:40 p.m., SportsNet LA, 570 AM