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Dodgers Trade Rumors: Padres’ Brad Hand, Pirates’ Tony Watson Relievers Of Interest

Matthew Moreno
2 Min Read
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

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.

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