Dodgers Key Pitcher Underwent Surgery, Will Miss Entire Season in Shocking Turn of Events

Oct 6, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Michael Grove (29) pitches against the San Diego Padres in the eighth inning during game two of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without another pitcher in 2025.

Per The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya, Michael Grove was seen in a sling Sunday morning after undergoing a shoulder surgery.

He will be out for the entire 2025 season.

Michael Grove was in a sling this morning in the Dodgers clubhouse. His season is over after shoulder surgery.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 9, 2025

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The road to the 2024 World Series was filled with injuries to various Dodgers' arms, but losing a player like Grove days before Opening Day will sting. 

Last season was one of Grove’s most productive in a Dodgers uniform. He lowered his ERA to 5.12 in his 39 appearances as he was transitioned almost fully to a bullpen role.

Adding 54 strikeouts to only 16 walks and a 1.216 WHIP, his 51 innings pitched were crucial to the title run. 

A “shoulder thing,” as manager Dave Roberts put it, kept Grove out of October baseball after logging just .1 innings in the NLDS. 

The 28-year-old Grove will work to get back stronger from his surgery and continue his productive play next season. 

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With the revamped bullpen that was born in the Dodgers’ dominant offseason, Grove was expected to take a larger role on the pitching roster with his experience and Dodgers tenure. He will now likely open up another spot to a non-roster invite or fringe pitcher looking to make the team.

Guys like Luis Garcia, Giovanny Gallegos, and although not an NRI, Ben Casparius, will be competing for the one of three open spots in the bulllpen. Michael Kopech and Evan Phillips will not miss the season like Grove, but won't be ready for Opening Day.

With the seven cuts just made, reassigning three southpaws and four right-handers to minor league camp, things are getting increasingly clear of who will make it to the roster.

Losing Grove is a significant blow for not just the bullpen but for Dodgers fans everywhere. As he works to get back to the mound next season, hopefully, different arms step up in his place and continue the run to a back-to-back title. 

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