Andrew Friedman’s Two-Word Response to Dodgers’ Pitching Injuries Says It All.

In the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball, where every decision can alter the course of a season, Andrew Friedman, the president of baseball operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has built a reputation for being one of the most strategic and composed executives in the game. Known for his analytical mind, calm demeanor, and forward-thinking approach, Friedman has led the Dodgers to sustained success, with the team consistently contending for championships year after year.

However, even the most well-oiled machines encounter setbacks, and for the Dodgers, the 2025 season has been no exception. One of the most pressing challenges the team has faced this year is a series of pitching injuries that have tested the depth and resilience of their roster. From starting pitchers to bullpen arms, the Dodgers have seen key players sidelined with injuries, leading to speculation, concern, and plenty of questions from the media. Yet, despite the growing list of injured pitchers, Friedman’s response to the situation has been strikingly succinct, offering a glimpse into his leadership style and the confidence he has in his team.

When asked about the Dodgers’ pitching injuries during a press conference, Friedman delivered a response that left many in the room speechless. His answer: “Next man.”

It was a two-word response, simple yet profound. In those two words, Friedman conveyed a message that spoke volumes about his philosophy as a baseball executive and his faith in the depth of the Dodgers’ organization. While others might have crumbled under the pressure of a pitching staff decimated by injuries, Friedman’s brief answer encapsulated his belief that the Dodgers’ culture of next-man-up mentality would carry them through.

The Weight of Injuries on the Dodgers’ Pitching Staff

Injuries are an unfortunate and often unavoidable part of the game, but when a team like the Dodgers—known for its elite pitching and deep roster—finds itself facing a barrage of them, the situation becomes critical. Heading into the 2025 season, the Dodgers had one of the most well-regarded pitching staffs in Major League Baseball. From their ace to their bullpen setup men, the Dodgers’ pitchers were poised to dominate, but injuries have played a significant role in derailing the team’s initial expectations.

The first blow came when Clayton Kershaw, the legendary left-hander, was forced to miss several weeks due to an elbow issue. While Kershaw’s injuries are no longer a complete surprise, his absence still left a void, both in the rotation and in the clubhouse. As one of the most respected figures in the game, Kershaw’s leadership is as valuable as his arm, and his loss was felt by both the pitching staff and the Dodgers’ organization as a whole.

Next came the injury to Julio Urías, one of the Dodgers’ most reliable starters in recent seasons. A shoulder issue took Urías out of action for an extended period, further depleting the team’s pitching depth. The injury left the team scrambling to find reliable arms to fill the gaps, which was made all the more challenging by the overall unpredictability of pitching injuries in a season.

The bullpen, too, was not immune. Key relievers like Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol found themselves sidelined due to various injuries, throwing the Dodgers’ late-inning plans into disarray. With so many important arms missing from the roster, it was clear that the team would need to rely on a mix of young talent and depth players to fill the void.

Despite these significant challenges, Friedman’s response of “Next man” was a testament to his belief in the organizational depth the Dodgers have built over the years. While the injuries were undeniably frustrating, Friedman’s calm and collected demeanor signaled that the team wasn’t going to succumb to the pressure. Instead, they would lean into the culture of resilience that has defined the Dodgers for so long.

The Dodgers’ Depth: A Culture of “Next Man Up”

In sports, the concept of a “next man up” mentality is crucial for teams that hope to withstand the inevitable injuries that come with the territory. The idea is simple: when a key player goes down, the team must trust that the next person in line will be ready to step up and perform. In the case of the Dodgers, this mentality isn’t just a slogan—it’s a way of life that has been ingrained in the organization over the years.

Under Friedman’s leadership, the Dodgers have consistently been one of the best teams at developing and acquiring talent. This has allowed them to build one of the deepest rosters in the league, with players who are more than capable of stepping into starting roles when called upon. Whether it’s a young pitcher from the farm system or a veteran addition acquired via trade or free agency, the Dodgers have shown time and time again that they are prepared for the next man to rise to the occasion.

The team’s pitching depth is particularly impressive. While the loss of star pitchers like Kershaw and Urías would devastate many teams, the Dodgers have been able to call on a number of capable arms to fill in the gaps. From young starters like Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone to established veterans like Tony Gonsolin and Michael Grove, the Dodgers have plenty of options to keep their pitching staff afloat in the face of adversity. And it’s not just about the starters; the bullpen is similarly deep, with players like Evan Phillips and Yency Almonte stepping into critical late-inning roles.

The Dodgers’ front office has also proven adept at making savvy trades and acquisitions that bolster the pitching staff when needed. Whether it’s adding a veteran arm for depth or promoting a promising prospect, Friedman has consistently demonstrated his ability to make moves that reinforce the team’s overall roster.

In the face of mounting injuries, it’s this culture of depth and adaptability that has allowed the Dodgers to continue performing at a high level. Even with several key pitchers on the injured list, the team has remained competitive, proving that their system is designed not only to withstand injuries but to thrive in the face of them.

Friedman’s Leadership: Calm in the Face of Adversity

While the Dodgers’ pitching injuries have certainly tested the team’s resolve, Friedman’s calm and measured leadership has been a stabilizing force. As the head of the baseball operations department, Friedman has the difficult task of making decisions that impact the team’s success both now and in the future. His approach to handling the pitching injuries has been one of strategic patience, relying on the organization’s deep talent pool and giving the “next man” a chance to shine.

In his two-word response to the situation, Friedman wasn’t just conveying a simple answer to a reporter’s question; he was reinforcing a broader message to the team, the fans, and the media. By confidently stating “Next man,” Friedman was signaling that the Dodgers would not allow injuries to derail their season. Instead, they would continue to focus on the task at hand and trust that their system could absorb the losses and keep pushing forward.

This leadership style is consistent with Friedman’s reputation for remaining calm under pressure. Whether it’s making high-profile trades, handling contract negotiations, or addressing challenges like pitching injuries, Friedman has always maintained a level-headed approach. His ability to stay focused on the bigger picture—rather than getting bogged down by the immediate obstacles—is one of the key reasons for the Dodgers’ sustained success under his stewardship.

Friedman’s two-word answer also speaks to the confidence he has in his coaching staff, the front office, and the players themselves. He doesn’t view the injuries as a crisis; instead, he sees them as an opportunity for others to step up and prove their worth. This perspective has fostered an environment of accountability and self-belief within the organization, ensuring that no one player or position is relied upon too heavily.

The Dodgers’ Resilience: A Team Built for the Long Haul

Ultimately, the Dodgers’ ability to weather the storm of pitching injuries is a reflection of the resilience that has become synonymous with the franchise. For years, the team has been a model of consistency, and that consistency is built on a foundation of depth, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Friedman’s response of “Next man” is emblematic of the team’s mindset—a mindset that doesn’t dwell on setbacks but instead focuses on the opportunities that lie ahead.

As the season progresses, the Dodgers will undoubtedly face more challenges, both on and off the field. But if there’s one thing that Friedman’s two-word response has made clear, it’s that the team will face those challenges with the same determination and confidence that has served them well for so long. When one player goes down, another will rise to the occasion. It’s the essence of the “next man up” mentality, and it’s what has allowed the Dodgers to remain one of the most formidable teams in Major League Baseball.

In the end, Andrew Friedman’s brief but powerful response to the Dodgers’ pitching injuries speaks volumes about the organization’s approach to adversity. With a deep roster, a culture of resilience, and leadership that instills confidence at every level, the Dodgers will continue to push forward, no matter the obstacles that come their way. And as long as the next man is ready to step up, the team’s future remains as bright as ever.