Whether through the MLB Draft, free agency or trades, the Los Angeles Dodgers have put an emphasis on adding pitching to the organization. At last year’s non-waiver trade deadline, the Dodgers acquired Jesse Chavez, Josh Fields and Rich Hill.
Los Angeles reportedly will focus on pitchers at this season’s July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Some expect the team to pursue Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Chris Archer and other top starters.
Another report indicated the Dodgers view trading for a left-handed reliever as a priority. According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, targets include Brad Hand of the San Diego Padres and Tony Watson of the Pittsburgh Pirates:
And so they’re formulating a wish list of southpaws that includes the Pirates’ Tony Watson and the Padres’ Brad Hand.
Morosi also notes Hand and Watson are players of interest to the Washington Nationals, whose bullpen has largely been a weak point. Hand is arbitration-eligible through 2019, while Watson is on track to become a free agent following the 2017 season.
Entering play on Tuesday, Hand is 1-4 with two saves, a 3.12 ERA, 3.34 FIP and 1.07 WHIP in 30 games. The 27-year-old is averaging a career-best 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings.
Watson is 4-1 with 10 saves, a 4.13 ERA, 5.55 FIP and 1.52 WHIP in 26 games. His ERA and 11.1 hits allowed per nine innings are on pace to be career-worst marks for the 32-year-old.
Thus far in 2017, the Dodgers have utilized left-handed relievers Luis Avilan, Grant Dayton and Adam Liberatore. Each has spent time on the disabled list. Alex Wood briefly pitched out of the bullpen but has since solidified a spot in the Dodgers rotation.
