With the Major League Baseball season just about one-third of the way through, teams are beginning to assess their needs ahead of the trade market heating up, while others are initiating the process of determining whether they should be sellers and plan for the future.
One team that presumably be looking to add to their roster ahead of the non-waiver deadline is the Los Angeles Dodgers. Whether big or small, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has a reputation of completing at least one trade.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Dodgers may be look to bolster their bullpen in the form of a left-hander:
“The Dodgers are not convinced they will need another starter. Some with the club believe a left-hander out of the bullpen is a much greater priority.”
With the emergence of both Alex Wood and Brandon McCarthy this season, the Dodgers starting rotation looks to be in good shape. Though, Wood is set to be examined because the inflammation in his left SC joint has not subsided the way the team anticipated.
McCarthy, who’s battled varying degrees of knee tendinitis throughout the year, was removed from Thursday’s start after just four innings in some part because of a blister on his right index finger.
Assuming Rich Hill, McCarthy and Wood can maintain good health, that certainly gives the Dodgers a formidable rotation. That’s without taking into account Julio Urias, who is expected to make an impact.
As for their bullpen, the Dodgers rank second in the Majors with a 2.67 ERA. Though, the team is somewhat thin on left-handed relief pitchers, particularly of the healthy variety.
Luis Avilan is currently on the disabled list due to left triceps soreness, and Adam Liberatore was pu ton the DL on Thursday because of left forearm tightness. Like Wood, Liberatore is returning to Los Angeles to be further examined by team doctors.
