The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired veteran infielder David Freese from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Minor League infielder Jesus Manuel Valdez. Erik Goeddel was transferred to the 60-day disabled list in order to add Freese to the 40-man roster.
Freese hit .283/.337/.447 with 10 doubles, nine home runs and 41 RBI in 93 games for Pittsburgh. He spent the bulk of his time at third base but also saw action at first base.
Valdez spent his first professional season this year playing for the Dominican Summer League Dodgers. He batted .230/.343/.412 in 60 games.
While much of the attention is on the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, the month of August also affords teams an opportunity to improve their rosters ahead of a postseason run.
The Dodgers historically have been active under president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman during this time. In 2015 they acquired Chase Utley, Justin Ruggiano and Chris Heisey; 2016 saw the Dodgers trade for Carlos Ruiz after he cleared waivers; and Curtis Granderson was added last season.
Friedman had already kept his streak alive this year by acquiring veteran reliever Ryan Madson from the Washington Nationals in exchange for Andrew Istler. The Dodgers claimed Madson off waivers, then worked out a trade with the Nationals within the 48-hour window to do so.
Prior to the deal becoming official, general manager Farhan Zaidi said the Dodgers were evaluating trade options to acquire a reliever and position player who could help bolster the lineup.
