Los Angeles Dodgers September plans already take hit
The Los Angeles Dodgers had been hoping that their pitching staff would get a major boost come September. Clayton Kershaw and Danny Duffy are both expected to be at that point, although it is uncertain as to what their roles will be. The recently signed Cole Hamels was also a part of those plans, as he was going to build his arm up enough to be ready to start over the final weeks of the season.
A portion of those plans have taken a hit. Hamels felt pain in his arm once more and is done for the year, receiving $1 million to do absolutely nothing.
Cole Hamels had arm pain again and is done for the year while the #Dodgers are on the hook for $1 million.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 17, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers take blow to September plans
It is tough to say exactly how much the Dodgers were counting on Hamels this season. He was injured for much of the 2020 campaign as well, making just one appearance. In that outing, he allowed three runs on three hits and a walk, striking out two over 3.1 innings.
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However, he had been a solid pitcher until that point. He was a dependable innings eater, a solid second starter who would take the ball every fifth day. In the dozen years between 2008 and 2019, he only had two seasons where he did not make at least 30 starts. But those days appear to be far in the past.
It also highlights the risk that the Dodgers are taking. Duffy was already on the Injured List when he was acquired from the Royals, with the idea that he would serve as a multi-inning reliever upon his activation. Kershaw may have a similar role, especially as he had previously cut short his throwing plan, leaving not enough time for him to stretch back out as a starter.
It is understandable that the Dodgers would load up for September and beyond. With the likes of Duffy, Hamels, and Kershaw, they had the potential to have an impressive upgrade to their pitching staff. But those plans have already taken one hit, as Hamels is done for the year before ever throwing a pitch for the organization.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers had a strong plan for September and the postseason. But we all know what they say about best-laid plans.