In the time leading up to the non-waiver deadline the Los Angeles Dodgers were scouring the market for starting pitchers, an outfielder, and reliever. They addressed some of their needs Monday morning by acquiring Rich Hill and Josh Reddick in a five-player trade with the Oakland Athletics.
Hill provides reinforcement to a starting rotation that’s been ravaged by injuries this season, though he too is on the 15-day disabled list because of a lingering blister issue on the middle finger of his throwing hand.
Hill was one of several starting pitchers the Dodgers were linked to, with Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale and Tampa Bay Rays Chris Archer at the forefront of trade speculation.
Although a deal for Sale appears unlikely at this point, the Dodgers remained engaged in trade talks with the Rays on their starting pitchers and Logan Forsythe, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:
#Dodgers’ talks with #Rays revolve largely around TB’s starting pitching, but LAD also likes infielder Logan Forsythe, source says.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 1, 2016
Along with Archer, the Rays have reportedly received inquires from the Dodgers and others on Matt Moore, Jake Odorizzi and Drew Smyly. Moore is generally believed to be the most likely Rays starting pitcher to be traded ahead of the 1 p.m. PT deadline.
This marks the second time Forsythe’s name has been linked to the Dodgers. The 29-year-old utility man brings the type of versatility Los Angeles has attempted to fill their roster with.
