The Padres crushed the Dodgers 11-1 on June 11, 2025, as Dylan Cease dominated and Kiké Hernández pitched in relief, exposing LA's deep pitching crisis.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It wasn't just a loss; it was a full-blown system failure. The Los Angeles Dodgers were dismantled 11-1 by the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night in a game that laid bare the terrifying state of their pitching staff. The final score is ugly, but the most telling image of the night was utilityman Kiké Hernández jogging in from the infield to pitch the final 2.1 innings. When a position player is your long reliever, you're no longer in a slump; you're in a crisis.
14 pitchers on the injured list. That's not a statistic; it's a full-blown emergency.
Called up from the minors out of sheer necessity, right-hander Matt Sauer was tasked with eating innings, and the Padres lineup feasted. Over 6.2 innings, Sauer was tagged for a brutal nine runs on 13 hits, a testament to the relentless San Diego offense. Manny Machado tied his career high with five RBIs on a 3-for-5 night, while Luis Arraez continued his hit-parade, collecting three hits and scoring four times. On the other side, Padres ace Dylan Cease was untouchable, striking out 11 Dodgers over seven scoreless frames. The Dodgers' only sign of life came in the eighth when Michael Conforto singled in their lone run, long after the game was decided.
In a move that was equal parts desperation and fan service, manager Dave Roberts turned to Kiké Hernández to save what was left of the bullpen. The beloved utilityman took the mound for the final 2.1 innings, and while he surrendered a run on three hits, his willingness to step up became the night's silver lining. Fans on social media, while lamenting the loss, showered praise on Hernández for his team-first attitude. It's a moment you don't want to see happen, as it signals a complete breakdown, but you can't help but admire the player for answering the call.
The Dodgers' current situation is staggering. With a jaw-dropping 14 pitchers on the injured list, the farm system is being strip-mined for anyone who can throw. The struggles of call-ups like Sauer demonstrate the immense pressure being placed on prospects who may not be ready for primetime. The problem isn't just one or two injuries; it's a catastrophic wave that has wiped out nearly the entire planned pitching staff, forcing the front office into an impossible situation of patching holes with untested arms.
There's no cavalry coming over the hill tomorrow. The Dodgers will hand the ball to Justin Wrobleski and his 7.20 ERA for the next game, another trial by fire for a young arm. This stretch isn't about winning games as much as it is about surviving them. The resilience of this team is being tested to its absolute limit, and how they navigate the coming days could define their entire season. All fans can do is hold their breath and hope the bleeding stops soon.
