Although the focus of Tuesday was the MLB trade deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers still had a game to play with a series opener against the Oakland Athletics, which included new-addition Lance Lynn making his team debut.
Lynn has struggled for much of the season, holding a 6.47 ERA in 119.2 innings, but the Dodgers and the veteran right-hander both hold the belief he has been better than his run prevention numbers indicate. Lynn backed that up with a strikeout to begin his Dodgers career and turned in a solid start.
The 36-year-old ended up pitching seven innings, giving up three hits while striking out seven and walking one. However, Lynn was bit by the home run ball, giving up three solo shots, which has been his primary problem this year.
Regardless, it was a much-needed outing for the Dodgers as their starters have been unable to pitch deep into games this season, and only allowing three runs was a nice change of pace from the rotation as well.
First batter, first strikeout for Lance Lynn in Dodger blue! pic.twitter.com/lBMaf6lYYt
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 2, 2023
KIKÉ CLUTCH. pic.twitter.com/kvxU6benen
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 2, 2023
Hit 'em with that Mookie Magic. pic.twitter.com/rLo7y1FQAd
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 2, 2023
Victory formation!
Dodgers x @Yaamava pic.twitter.com/V2LaoYlYBl
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 2, 2023
The game remained tied until the third inning until James Outman was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, putting L.A. up 1-0. The next batter, Kiké Hernández, another recent acquisition for the Dodgers, cleared the bases with a two-out double to make the score 4-0.
Oakland adder their first run in the sixth inning via the long ball, and they followed with two more in the seventh inning to cut the Dodgers’ lead to just one run. But Mookie Betts added an insurance run with his 28th homer of the year, and Outman walked with the bases loaded to put L.A. up 6-3.
Just for good measure, the Dodgers added another run in the bottom of the eighth when Betts doubled and Freddie Freeman singled before Brusdar Graterol closed out the 7-3 victory.
Dodgers trade deadline summary
The Dodgers remained busy on the trade deadline, but they were unable to come away with the impact starter they hoped for. The team did have a deal in place to acquire Eduardo Rodriguez from the Detroit Tigers, but the southpaw used his no-trade clause to veto it.
L.A. did end up acquiring Ryan Yarbrough from the Kansas City Royals, while they also traded Justin Bruihl to the Colorado Rockies, Phil Bickford and Adam Kolarek to the New York Mets. and Eddys Leonard to the Tigers.
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