It was only a few short weeks ago when the Los Angeles Dodgers looked like they couldn’t be stopped. The offense was clicking, the bullpen had righted itself, and the rotation was doing pretty well.

Currently, not much of that is still true.

Let’s start with the most pressing issue, the starting rotation.

Since his arrest, Julio Urías has been placed on administrative leave and most likely will not pitch for the Dodgers again this season, if ever.

Friday, the Dodgers announced that Walker Buehler will not return to pitch this season.

Fans were hoping that the flame throwing righty would be able to help during the playoff run, but his overall health is more important. He still is feeling good and hasn’t suffered any setbacks, but he would not be ready to pitch in the postseason.

Most concerning now is the health of the left shoulder of one Clayton Kershaw. Since his return from the injured list, his velocity has been down and his command hasn’t been the best. The quotes coming from himself and manager Dave Roberts aren’t comforting either.

Kershaw – “I need to just keep going. I mean, there’s really nothing else to do just try and pitch better.”

Roberts – “I think the hope is he’s going to continue to feel better, but given where he’s at physically, it’s hard to say that’s going to happen.” And – “It is what it is. Guys say that and I hate that answer. But it’s where he’s at. So it’s where he’s at. He’s able to make a start and that’s where he’s at. I can’t give it any more color. I really can’t.”

And the most scary quote of them all – “He’s going to keep going. He’s going to keep going until he can’t.”

For the past few seasons, Dodgers fans have breathed a sigh of relief when Kershaw chose to re-sign with the Dodgers for one more year. Now with the health of his shoulder, it’s reasonable to wonder if this is the last season we get to see the King pitching in a Dodgers uniform.

So, the starting rotation in the playoffs seems to be Lance Lynn, who is prone to giving up a lot of home runs, a depleted Kershaw, and two rookies in Bobby Miller and Ryan Pepiot. The latter have been outstanding this season, but there is always the worry when a pitcher doesn’t have playoff experience.

In other concerning news, Mookie Betts left the visitors clubhouse in Miami on crutches Thursday night before the team flew to D.C. to start their series against the Washington Nationals. Betts fouled a pitch off his ankle in Thursdays game. X-rays we’re negative, but definitely something to keep an eye on.

Joe Kelly is starting his rehab assignment with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. He had been on the IL since August 13th, dealing with right forearm and elbow inflammation.

The Dodgers are lucky that they have such a huge lead in the division while dealing with these injuries and circumstances. Currently 13 games ahead of the second place Arizona Diamondbacks, their magic number is 10 to secure the West. Having the second best record in the NL, should they be able to maintain that, will also help the depleted pitching staff a rest before the playoffs start. Let’s just hope there are no more big surprises between now and October.