Dodgers pitcher Stewart has been placed on the injured list due to a shoulder injury, while Gonsolin is out for the season.

Baseball president Andrew Friedman believes the Dodgers have the potential to assemble "the most talented pitching staff we've ever had" for the playoffs.

However, with seven weeks remaining in the regular season, it is still uncertain which injured pitchers will return by October and what expectations the Dodgers can have for these players.

Before today's game against the Angels, the Dodgers lost another relief pitcher to the injured list, as right-hander Brock Stewart was sidelined due to shoulder inflammation. Stewart has been experiencing discomfort for about four days, and the Dodgers hope they caught it early enough for it not to be serious. However, after undergoing tests in Los Angeles, they will have a clearer picture of Stewart's chances of returning this season.

Right-hander Edgardo Henriquez, ranked as the Dodgers' 17th prospect by MLB Pipeline, has been called up as part of the corresponding roster move.

"Right now, this is a huge loss," said manager Dave Roberts when discussing Stewart. "Obviously, he is a significant part of our efforts to achieve our goals, so it’s disappointing not to have him. But I'm glad Edgardo is back here to take on some key roles, like suppressing right-handed hitters, and to see if he can continue his previous performance."

Friedman also confirmed that right-hander Tony Gonsolin's season is over, not only due to insufficient time for recovery but also because he underwent another elbow surgery. After missing the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery, Gonsolin made only seven starts this season before going back on the injured list with right elbow discomfort. He underwent internal brace surgery and flexor tendon cleanup. He is expected to need 8-10 months to return.

Even after these latest setbacks to the pitching staff, Friedman reiterated his confidence in the current team roster and the lineup he expects to have for the playoffs.

Friedman stated, "First, we need to qualify for October. If we're fortunate enough to do that, I believe we'll have what can be considered the most talented pitching staff ever, along with some very good pitchers not on the list. That’s my expectation."

“I think a big part of it is that these players should have enough time to return in September, play games, help us win in September, and regain their form. So, as we see the situation today and the latest developments, we feel very good about it.”

The Dodgers expect to welcome back key pitchers Kirby Yates, Tanner Scott, and Michael Kopech by the end of this month, likely in that order. Sasaki Roki is set to begin rehab games and may be an option for the rotation by late August or early September. Brusdar Graterol has been recovering from right shoulder labrum surgery all season and is nearing a return to facing hitters, potentially coming back sometime in September.

Because they have so many talented pitchers returning, the Dodgers did not make any significant moves to bolster the bullpen before the July 31 trade deadline. Their priority was to acquire a top right-handed pitcher, and trading for Stewart from the Twins was their way of achieving that goal. However, Stewart only appeared in four games before going on the injured list, and he has a lengthy injury history, having dealt with arm issues over the past two seasons.

The Dodgers hope to play their best baseball in the playoffs with the most complete roster possible. First, they need to make it to the playoffs, and the division race has become increasingly tense.

After leading the NL West by nine games on July 3, the Dodgers now lead the Padres by just one game before today’s game. Although the Dodgers' starting pitchers have become healthier during this time, the offense has been inconsistent, and the bullpen has been plagued by injuries and instability.

Given all this, Friedman insists that he will not make any different decisions at the trade deadline.

Friedman said, "Taking a snapshot from August 12 is one thing. But hopefully, if we can get to October and see the roster we submit, we will feel it will be a very, very strong lineup. That’s our bet, and that’s the direction we’re working towards."