Winning the 2020 World Series ended more than three decades of heartache for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but with the signing of reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer, expectations for this season are nothing short of a repeat.
The season began with discussions about the 2021 Dodgers being the most talented team in modern major league history. A hot start in April fueled the thought that this team might break the Seattle Mariners Major League record of 116 wins set in 2001, but a season-ending injury to Dustin May and a streak where they lost 15 of 20 has set that pursuit firmly on the back burner.
Currently, the Dodgers are in second place in the Western Division behind the surprisingly good San Francisco Giants, and two games in front of the San Diego Padres. Few would wager at a licensed baseball sportsbook against the Dodgers winning their eighth straight National League West title, but they may need to get creative to make that happen.
Edward Cuello for Garrett Cleavinger
Garrett Cleavinger returned to the Dodgers two weeks ago. Cleavinger missed 27 games with left shoulder inflammation after appearing in eight games and allowing three earned runs (six in total) in 6-innings. Cleavinger (2-3) earned a win over Arizona a week ago by pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing a single hit.
That said, we still think Dodger prospect Edward Cuello could prove to be a nice upgrade. The 22-year-old right-handed relief pitcher out of the Dominican Republic got his first taste of Triple-A ball in Oklahoma City last week and responded with three strikeouts in two scoreless innings.
Gerardo Carrillo for Alex Vesia
Alex Vesia was acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers from the Miami Marlins during the latest offseason. Vesia’s time with the Dodgers hasn’t been pretty. Despite a high strikeout rate, he’s walked 11 batters in just 10 innings leading to a 5.91 ERA and 7.18 FIP. His fastball plays well in the zone but his control issues make him a liability at the majors level.
Gerardo Carrillo, who signed with the Dodgers in 2016 as an international free agent when he was just 17 has been effective for the Drillers in Tulsa and should get a hard look at Oklahoma City where Vesia is now pitching. While Carrillo has struggled with his command at times this season he has big-league stuff. Carrillo is currently listed as the #17 best prospect in the Dodgers system.
Andre Jackson for Mitch White
Mitch White was demoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City on June 13 but quickly rejoined the team two days later when Cody Bellinger landing on the injured list. The right-hander out of Santa Clara College has a 3.29 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP in 13.2 innings pitched this season, most of them in mop-up duty.
Starting pitcher Andre Jackson is the Dodger’s 27th ranked prospect and is currently pitching for the Drillers in Tulsa. The athletic 25-year -old right-hand pitcher was drafted in the 12th round of the 2017 draft despite recovering from Tommy John surgery. Jackson led the system in strikeout rate per nine innings (11.1) in 2019 and was recently selected for the Minor League Futures game.
