The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently tied with the San Diego Padres for the first-place spot in the National League West.

The Dodgers had a nine-game lead in the division on July 3, but have since gone 12-20 as the Padres have only stormed closer to snapping an 18-year division title drought, going 22-12.

The Padres and Dodgers will meet six times in the next 12 days — starting Friday night in Los Angeles — in a gauntlet that will have immense postseason implications.

Something that has plagued the Dodgers all season long and remains as prevalent as ever at this point in the season is pitching injuries.

Despite newly-acquired Brock Stewart landing on the injured list after just four games in a Dodgers uniform, and right-hander Tony Gonsolin undergoing season-ending surgery (that will carry until 2026), president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman spoke on his lack of worry of the team’s injury issues moving forward.

“I’m not worried about our pitching. Once we get to a good spot, I think it’s going to be a real strength for us. It doesn’t help us in losing a game last night or something that played out a week or two ago. Those are frustrating. But as we’re making a bet going forward, we think it’ll be a real strength for us,” Friedman said.

“We feel good about the quality and depth of arms that we have,” he added. “Now we have to get them back and get them healthy, and keep our other guys healthy. But again, (we) feel like this has a very legitimate chance to be the most talented pitching staff we’ve ever had.”

Although it is usually unwise to rely on arms currently on the injured list ahead of the postseason, there are still a few key players that reaffirm Friedman’s confidence.

Right-hander Michael Kopech emerged as one of baseball’s best relievers upon his arrival to LA at last year’s trade deadline, but has only logged eight games this season. He appears to be ready for a return at the end of August.

Tanner Scott has been shelved with left elbow inflammation since the end of July, but is already back to throwing bullpen sessions pain free. Kirby Yates hit the IL shortly after Scott with lower back pain, but is confident he will be back “soon enough.”

As for the rotation, rookie phenom Roki Sasaki is pain free and is already ramping up for a return to the mound before October.

Although the current situation for the Dodgers is more tense than anyone would like, Friedman knows who he can rely on from the injured list, and who will define their season in October.