While the Los Angeles Dodgers began the season with a surplus of starting pitchers, the group contained some question marks. Hyun-Jin Ryu was coming off an elbow procedure, so too was Alex Wood, Scott Kazmir had his share of injury trouble in 2016, and limitations remained in place for Julio Urias.
Nearly three months into the 2017 season, and the Dodgers still face some uncertainty with their starting staff. Kazmir has yet to pitch, while Urias was lost for the season with news on Friday that he’s set to undergo shoulder surgery.
Wood has been a bright spot, but Kenta Maeda and Ryu have endured their share of struggles. As the non-waiver trade deadline approaches, the consistent message has been the Dodgers are in the market for a starting pitcher.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, that’s more of a priority than acquiring a bat:
The Dodgers are more focused on adding a starting pitcher than a major bat, thanks in part to the continued development of young sluggers Bellinger and Corey Seager.
It should be noted Morosi’s report was released prior to Urias’ surgery becoming public knowledge and Corey Seager being removed from Friday’s game due to a hamstring cramp. Seager is optimistic the matter is not serious, but could not yet definitively say he wouldn’t miss a prolonged stretch of time.
Last season, the Dodgers upgraded at the non-waiver trade deadline by acquiring Rich Hill, a slew of relief pitchers, and Josh Reddick. While team president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman isn’t one to stand pat, he’s also shown a reluctance to part with top prospects.
What may work in the Dodgers’ favor is a number of teams already showing a willingness to become sellers just over one month ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.
