The Los Angeles Dodgers addressed their starting rotation in a big way at the MLB trade deadline by acquiring Max Scherzer from the Washington Nationals. The three-time Cy Young Award winner will likely make his team debut on Wednesday against the Houston Astros.
Prior to completing the blockbuster, however, the Dodgers made a smaller deal with the Kansas City Royals that netted Danny Duffy. The Lompoc, California native waived his full no-trade clause in order for the deal to be finalized.
Duffy currently is on the 10-day injured list with a left flexor strain, which previously caused him to miss six weeks this season. The left-hander could return by the end of the month and is open to any role the club may have in mind for him.
“I’m just at a point where I’m going to do whatever they ask of me,” Duffy said. “Get physically right all the way and whatever is needed, I’m all for it.
“They’ve got some guys that can cover some innings, and I feel like I can be helpful out of any role. The ‘pen is always exciting for me. I’ve always loved being in the bullpen, but whatever the future holds I’ll be ready for it.”
All but one of Duffy’s 13 appearances this season have come in the form of starts. However, the 32-year-old has plenty of experience pitching out of the bullpen and would be comfortable doing so for the Dodgers.
“I honestly really enjoyed the bullpen with the couple stints that I got in Kansas City,” Duffy said. “I’d be just fine with any role. I really enjoyed the ‘pen, really enjoyed being put in those important situations, being able to bounce back the next day or two days later and get another go at it.
“Anything this team has for me, whatever my future holds, I’m just going to do what they need done.”
Duffy is 4-3 with a 2.51 ERA, 4.17 FIP and 1.32 WHIP in 13 games this season (12 starts). He is in the final season of a five-year, $65 million contract signed with the Royals before the 2017 campaign.
Friedman: Dodgers ‘ideally’ will build Duffy as starter
No matter what role Duffy winds up filling for the Dodgers, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is confident he will be a valuable contributor. “Danny is a guy that was very high up on our list coming into July, then obviously had the injury setback,” Friedman said.
“Right now we’re just excited to get him over here, evaluate where he’s at and figure out through his progression what we do. Ideally he keeps feeling good and the trajectory is such that we can build him up to be a starter.
“If not, depending on what we learn over the next two weeks, we feel like he can impact us out of the ‘pen as well. So we’re not sure at this point. We really like the arm talent and feel like he can slot in in October and really help us in our pursuit to win a championship.”
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