A key storyline is the Dodgers’ extended injury absence, totaling 3,752 days on the injured list over the past two years—the most in MLB—driven by frequent IL moves and players returning only to be sidelined again. May alone saw seven players placed on the IL, highlighting the team’s depth strategy and resilience in navigating a grueling injury cycle.
Previewing the Pirates series, the Dodgers will face Paul Skenes for Pittsburgh, with Eric Lauer starting for L.A. Will Smith is listed as day-to-day with neck stiffness but is expected to rejoin the lineup during the series. The Pirates, sitting third in the NL Central at 34-32, provide a test as the Dodgers continue a demanding stretch before a road trip to Chicago and a home matchup with Tampa Bay.
Key Takeaways:
– Dodgers vs. Pirates series kicks off June 8; Dodgers lead NL West by 7.5 games.
– MLB injury data shows Dodgers have accumulated the most IL days (3,752) over the past two years, yet remain championship contenders.
– May injuries featured multiple players on IL; several returnees (e.g., Snell, Hernandez) had returns followed by further IL stints.
– Will Smith’s day-to-day status and potential lineup adjustments, plus the Pirates’ strong 34-32 record, shape the series dynamic.
