Once it became evident the Washington Nationals were willing to be sellers at the MLB trade deadline this season, there was no shortage of interest in the likes of Max Scherzer and Trea Turner.
The Dodgers’ interest in Scherzer was particularly palpable as they are among the several teams looking to acquire pitching. So too are the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants, and each of the National League West clubs were believed to be preferred destinations for Scherzer.
At one point on Thursday afternoon it appeared he was bound for San Diego, with seemingly the final hurdle to be cleared just being Scherzer waiving his no-trade clause as a player with 10-and-5 rights.
The Dodgers ultimately jumped back into the picture and reportedly have completed a blockbuster trade to acquire Scherzer and Turner, with Keibert Ruiz and Josiah Gray believed to be among the prospects headlining the Nationals’ return, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan:
The Max Scherzer-and-Trea Turner-to-the-Dodgers deal is done, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2021
Scherzer is one day removed from making a final start for the Nationals that also proved he was healthy. He was scratched from an outing last Saturday due to right triceps discomfort, but did manage to throw a bullpen session on Monday.
Scherzer then was back on the mound Thursday in the first game of a doubleheader against the Philadelphia Phillies. He allowed just one run over six innings and improved to 8-4 with a 2.76 ERA, 3.46 FIP and 0.89 WHIP in 19 starts.
Turner is currently on the COVID injured list due to a positive test. Once active, he not only will be a boon for the lineup this season but seemingly provide some insurance in the event Corey Seager is lost in free agency this winter.
Dodgers trade for Duffy
Prior to the Dodgers sending shockwaves throughout the sport, they completed an under-the-radar move to acquire Danny Duffy and cash considerations from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for a player to be named later.
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