Dodgers’ grip on the NL West has wavered as bullpen health dominates the conversation. After once holding a nine-game cushion, L.A. has seen that advantage shrink, with late-inning gaps exposing risk in a pennant chase. Fantasy players should note the possibility of Bobby Miller being fast-tracked to close if the relief corps can’t stabilize, turning a long-term stash into immediate upside.

Brock Stewart’s placement on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation, plus Sasaki’s May shoulder impingement and 60-day IL stint, cloud the bullpen outlook. The mental hurdle Sasaki faces—Will I feel something when I pitch again?—adds another variable, making a healthy, productive bullpen feel distant but essential for playoff runs.

In fantasy terms, monitor bullpen usage closely. If Miller is called up for late-inning duties, his value spikes as an expedient closer option. Sasaki’s return could unlock a high ceiling, but the timeline remains murky. Until then, streaming candidates and cautious rostering of Dodgers relievers will be prudent as health and confidence battle for stability.

Dodgers' rotation health is approaching peak form as Clayton Kershaw, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow headline a three-game set with Toronto, with Rōki Sasaki easing back from a shoulder issue to boost a deep staff. Snell already flashed ace potential by fanning 10 in five innings in his return, fueling optimism for a late-season surge that could define LA’s title push. The upcoming six-game, 10-day run against San Diego will test endurance and build fantasy ripple effects across the rotation and bullpen. Ohtani's power pace remains a cornerstone of the lineup, amplifying the Dodgers' fantasy ceiling even when innings are capped.

Rankings aside, the Dodgers appear positioned to anchor fantasy rosters through a critical stretch. The squad’s blend of top-line arms, bullpen depth and Ohtani’s multi-category pop creates a stable floor with the upside for multiple streaming weeks. Managers should monitor Sasaki’s workload, Snell’s velocity ladder after the layoff, and Glasnow’s strikeout progression as the Padres set the stage for another high-stakes weekend.

Roki Sasaki is making strides towards a return to the mound after a layoff due to a right shoulder impingement. The Los Angeles Dodgers rookie threw a three-inning simulated game where his fastball reached 96-97 mph, a promising sign for his recovery. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted improvements in Sasaki's delivery and physicality, but acknowledged he still needs to regain full comfort and confidence before facing hitters again.

Sasaki’s previous stint was fraught with struggles, especially with control issues and a fastball that didn't perform up to expectations. He had the highest walk rate among qualified pitchers and a concerning slugging percentage against his fastball. As he prepares for his return, he's also working on adding a two-seam fastball to his arsenal, potentially giving him more versatility on the mound.

Max Muncy has been activated from the injured list for the Los Angeles Dodgers, ending a nearly five-week absence due to a knee bone bruise suffered during a collision against the Chicago White Sox. Prior to his injury, Muncy was in top form, boasting an OPS of .832 with 13 homers and 55 RBIs. His return is considered crucial for the Dodgers as they aim to fortify their lineup for the postseason.

However, the Dodgers also face challenges, as Tommy Edman has been placed on the injured list after aggravating a right ankle injury, an issue that has plagued him previously. Manager Dave Roberts expressed hope for Edman's return but acknowledged the need for caution to prevent further setbacks.

In other injury news, utility player Kiké Hernández continues to recover from an elbow injury, while prospects like Hyeseong Kim are nearing returns. Rookie Roki Sasaki is set to throw live innings soon as he aims for a minor league rehab assignment. The Dodgers, while maintaining their roster, are hopeful for a full recovery of injured players as they gear up for another World Series defense.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing significant challenges in their starting pitching rotation this season, despite boasting one of the best records in baseball. Key pitchers Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell have been sidelined since April, and rookie sensation Roki Sasaki's shoulder injury is delaying his return until at least August. This situation necessitates the Dodgers to consider bolstering their rotation with potential trade acquisitions to maintain their competitive edge.

Among the pitchers the Dodgers are reportedly interested in is Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals, who has demonstrated impressive performance with a 2.67 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over 101 innings this season. Lugo, who was a Cy Young finalist last year, could provide the stability that the Dodgers desperately need. However, his $15 million player option for 2026 may complicate negotiations.