Injuries are an inevitable part of the Major League Baseball season, and how teams handle them often becomes a defining factor in long-term success. The Los Angeles Dodgers, known for their depth and player development system, have taken injury management to a level that many believe gives them a competitive edge. With a steady stream of top-tier talent flowing between the majors and their Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City, the Dodgers’ approach to recovery, workload, and return-to-play decisions reflects a highly refined system built on collaboration between medical professionals, coaches, and the front office. Dodger devotees like Sam Coquillard have observed that this multi-layered structure does more than keep players healthy—it sets a standard that rivals are starting to emulate.
A System Rooted in Proactive Health Management
Unlike more reactive teams that rush to rehabilitate once an injury occurs, the Dodgers have cultivated a system that emphasizes prevention and long-term planning. Their approach hinges on understanding each player’s physical profile, movement mechanics, and recovery needs before wear and tear become debilitating. Through biomechanical analysis and strength tracking, the organization monitors players’ physical status across the season, flagging potential breakdowns early.
This proactive mindset extends to their use of the Injured List (IL). Rather than waiting for conditions to worsen or become chronic, the Dodgers are known for placing players on the IL at the first sign of trouble. While this has sometimes invited criticism from rival fanbases or media claiming the team manipulates the IL, the strategy prioritizes long-term health over short-term optics. By carefully controlling workload and eliminating the stigma of short IL stints, they create a culture where early reporting and treatment are encouraged.
Rehab as an Extension of Performance Development
One of the defining aspects of the Dodgers’ rehab philosophy is the way it integrates with performance development. Rehabilitation is not viewed merely as recovery; it is considered an opportunity to refine technique, reassess routines, and enhance durability. Players rehabbing from injuries often engage with not just athletic trainers but also player development coaches and analysts. This means that a player returning from a hamstring strain might simultaneously work on improving baserunning form or lateral agility, reducing future risk while boosting in-game efficiency.
This layered approach is facilitated by the Dodgers’ investment in personnel and infrastructure. At their Camelback Ranch complex in Arizona, the team offers a state-of-the-art rehab and training environment, blending modern sports medicine with performance technology. Here, players interact with pitching labs, video breakdown stations, and nutrition experts to optimize their recovery and readiness. For injured players, time away from the roster isn’t lost time, it’s reinvestment.
This thinking also permeates how the team treats minor injuries. Rather than patching up players for game-day availability, the Dodgers frequently opt to give athletes a buffer period to rebuild full strength. The result is fewer setbacks, faster recovery timelines, and minimal impact on overall team performance due to their effective bench depth.
Managing Roster Depth with Surgical Precision
One of the key enablers of the Dodgers’ injury strategy is the front office’s ability to balance short-term needs with long-term planning. This is not just a function of deep pockets or signing stars. It requires detailed forecasting, roster manipulation, and player management at all levels of the organization. The Dodgers have built a system that makes it easy to pivot when a player goes down. Part of that involves stocking the Triple-A roster with versatile, MLB-ready talent who understand the playbook and can step in without disruption.
Pitching is where this model shines brightest. Over the last few seasons, the Dodgers have successfully implemented strategies such as pseudo-six-man rotations, bullpen games, and staggered pitcher usage to protect arms. When an injury occurs, especially to a starter, they don’t scramble. Instead, they reach into their development pipeline to elevate a prospect or a swingman prepared to contribute immediately. This method allows them to mitigate the impact of injuries without exhausting their core contributors.
The Dodgers also use injury data to inform midseason acquisitions. Knowing that players like Clayton Kershaw may have workload limitations, the front office anticipates needs well in advance. They may seek veteran arms or flexible relievers not only for their performance but also for how they allow others to rest. This strategic planning reflects an organizational belief that injury management isn’t just about healing—it’s about continuity.
A Cultural Philosophy of Health and Longevity
Beyond medical staff and data systems, what truly defines the Dodgers’ injury management success is their internal culture. From ownership down to coaching, there is a shared understanding that the season is a marathon, not a sprint. This culture impacts everything from how players speak about their own health to how coaches manage minutes in low-stakes situations.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts plays a central role in promoting this culture. His open dialogue with players, willingness to rest stars like Mookie Betts or Freddie Freeman on routine travel days, and transparent communication about recovery schedules set a tone of trust. Players do not feel pressured to rush back or hide injuries. This transparency improves diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately leads to better outcomes.
It also allows for creative scheduling. By rotating players through designated off days, double-switch substitutions, and occasional DH assignments, Roberts and his staff manage physical stress while maintaining offensive production. The Dodgers do not hesitate to let a healthy starter skip a turn in the rotation or sit a position player for three straight games if it benefits their long-term health. Fans may be frustrated in the moment, but the payoff typically comes in September and October.
Learning from Setbacks and Failures
While the Dodgers’ injury management philosophy is widely praised, it has not been without challenges. There have been instances where setbacks occurred—most notably with long-term injuries like Dustin May’s recurring arm issues or the delayed returns of high-profile acquisitions. But what sets the organization apart is its ability to learn from these moments.
Post-injury review is a regular part of their process. Training staff and analytics teams evaluate whether protocols were followed, whether signs were missed, and how future timelines can be improved. They adjust ramp-up periods, scrutinize soft-tissue injury rates, and explore off-season conditioning changes. This cycle of evaluation and revision strengthens the system with every passing season.
Additionally, the Dodgers are not afraid to move on from medical or performance staff when philosophies no longer align. Their organizational structure is built to evolve. This openness to change is why the Dodgers often find themselves ahead of industry trends, whether it involves wearable tech, recovery tools, or psychological readiness.
Why the Rest of MLB Is Taking Notes
The impact of the Dodgers’ approach extends beyond their clubhouse. Other teams have begun to adopt similar injury timelines, promote rest days more liberally, and hire performance specialists with similar credentials. What the Dodgers have done is shift the conversation around health and availability. It is no longer considered soft or uncompetitive to place a player on the IL early. Instead, it is seen as wise. The focus is now on cumulative availability, not day-to-day grit. The Dodgers, in many ways, helped normalize this shift. By doing so, they have carved out an advantage that is not just medical, but philosophical.
In the end, what makes the Dodgers’ injury management so effective isn’t just the technology or depth. It is the combination of foresight, honesty, and a relentless commitment to protecting player longevity. Their players may not always be on the field, but when they are, they’re healthy, prepared, and impactful—a formula that continues to produce results deep into October.