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Dodgers Trade Rumors: Focus Lies On Acquiring Relief Pitcher Before Aug. 31 Waiver Deadline

Matthew Moreno
3 Min Read
Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports

In a bit of a surprising move at the July 31 trade deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers only acquired one relief pitcher while adding high-impact position players Brian Dozier and Manny Machado to the fold.

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And with respect to John Axford, the Dodgers’ trade for a reliever didn’t net them one of the several marquee names they were tied to leading up to the deadline. Deals for Dozier and Machado suggested the organization was confident in their internal pitching options, and that a deep lineup could offset any trouble.

The strategy hasn’t exactly paid off in spades, and Axford is currently on the 10-day disabled list because of a fractured fibula suffered in his third appearance with the team.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers claimed Washington Nationals reliever Ryan Madson on revocable waivers, giving the clubs until Friday afternoon to complete a trade. In general, the Dodgers have until 9 p.m. PT to acquire a player who would remain eligible for postseason play.

According to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, their focus is on finding a relief pitcher:

During an appearance “Access SportsNet: Dodgers,” general manager Farhan Zaidi said the club was evaluating potential trades for both a reliever and position player.

If the Dodgers don’t add a pitcher to the fold, they can take some solace in seeing the return of those currently on the disabled list. Among that group is Axford, J.T. Chargois, Tony Cingrani, Daniel Hudson and Ross Stripling.

Julio Urias, currently with Triple-A Oklahoma City, is also another option to receive a call up in September for a role out of the bullpen.

Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com