In the final days and weeks leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, many expected the Los Angeles Dodgers to address their pitching staff, and in particular the bullpen.
After acquiring Manny Machado during the All-Star break, Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi acknowledged the club would possibly remain active in the trade market and keep a keen eye on available pitchers. Zaidi did not rule out a potential deal for a starter.
Los Angeles was linked to the likes of Chris Archer, Zach Britton, Keone Kela and Brad Ziegler, among others. They ultimately swung a deadline-day trade with the Toronto Blue Jays for veteran reliever John Axford.
Axford made three appearances but is sidelined by a fractured fibula. Not making more of a splash was questioned at the time, and the Dodgers’ decision faced more scrutiny when Kenley Jansen enduring a recurrence of heart trouble that forced him to the 10-day disabled list.
Although the bullpen has struggled in his absence, it does not appear likely the club will address the unit before the Aug. 31 waivers trade deadline, as reported by Ken Rosenthal on FOX Sports:
“Anything is possible, but don’t expect the Dodgers to add to their bullpen before the Aug. 31 deadline for setting postseason rosters. Most relievers are getting claimed on revocable trade waivers, then pulled back. The Dodgers are also setting a high bar for whom they might want to acquire, knowing that their bullpen is getting healthier.”
The first step to fill the void left by Jansen was moving starters Kenta Maeda and Ross Stripling to the bullpen. Stripling has since landed on the DL because of compressed discs in his back.
Meanwhile, Maeda allowed the San Francisco Giants to take a lead in the ninth inning and was tabbed with the loss.
If there’s a silver lining for the Dodgers, it’s that Jansen and additional reinforcements might be on the horizon. He’s due for a follow-up appointment with a cardiologist on Monday, while Josh Fields is with Triple-A Oklahoma City on a rehab assignment.
Daniel Hudson was activated off the 10-day DL on Friday, and Tony Cingrani and Julio Urias could be options come September.
