The 2020 MLB trade deadline came and went, and the Los Angeles Dodgers did not make any big moves despite being linked to some of the marquee names on the market.
With the Dodgers having the best record in baseball, there weren’t any glaring needs to address. Though, many believed they would add a starting pitcher like Lance Lynn or Mike Clevinger to pair with Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler at the top of the starting rotation — with an eye on the postseason.
Ultimately, Clevinger was dealt to the division-rival San Diego Padres while the Texas Rangers held onto Lynn. The Dodgers did not make any moves to add to their starting rotation, and instead traded from it by sending Ross Stripling to the Toronto Blue Jays.
That leaves youngsters Dustin May, Julio Urias and Tony Gonsolin with more responsibility and a bigger outlook heading into October.
“Obviously we’ve got Julio, Dustin, Tony,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman answered when asked about filling out the postseason rotation. “I don’t know exactly how things will play out, but I feel very confident we’re going to have an extremely talented pitching staff come October.
“Exactly how guys are deployed remains to be seen, but similar to Walker in 2018, Dustin and Tony got some experience last year in the postseason. We not only believe in their ability but we also believe in them as competitors and feel good with them helping us in our pursuit of winning a championship.”
May has arguably been the best of the bunch in 2020 as after originally not being expected to make the Opening Day roster, he filled in admirably for an injured Kershaw and hasn’t relinquished his rotation spot since.
Urias has been inconsistent in 2020 but still has a very high ceiling, making him the favorite to land the final postseason rotation spot. Gonsolin has pitched well in his limited opportunities though so if that continues then his name will surely be in the mix as well.
Urias not concerned about role
Urias would figure to have an inside track to remain part of the starting rotation for the playoffs, but he’s maintained what role the Dodgers ultimately will decide on is not something he’s worried about.
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