With the Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline just a few days away, the Los Angeles Dodgers and other front offices are in the home stretch to either bolster their roster or shed salary.
The Dodgers have been linked to the big-name starting pitchers, Sonny Gray of the Oakland Athletics, Yu Darvish of the Texas Rangers and Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers. In addition to adding a starter, the Dodgers are believed to have interest in trading for a reliever.
In particular one that throws left-handed, as Grant Dayton, Adam Liberatore and Luis Avilan have not only struggled at times this season but also fallen victim to injury. Liberatore remains sidelined by forearm trouble and is not near a return.
Among the southpaw relievers the Dodgers have been connected to is Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton. Their reported interest, along with that from some other clubs, cooled recently amid concerns over Britton’s health.
According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, the Dodgers remain a team that is monitoring Britton, and there’s a desire to see his velocity hold in back-to-back appearances:
Late-developing market on Britton still possible. Several contenders have been monitoring him. #Cubs #Dodgers #Astros and others.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 28, 2017
Big question for clubs: How will Britton's velo hold up on 2nd day? If it's still 96 or so, that's a good sign. Dip to 93 … not so much.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 28, 2017
Britton was arguably the top closer in baseball last season, but he’s get to find his groove in 2017. Britton has twice been on the disabled list this season due to a left forearm strain, with the latest stint lasting six weeks.
Last year Britton nailed down all 47 of his save attempts while yielding a 0.54 ERA and striking out 74 batters compared to 18 walks in 67 innings. He’s yet to blow a save this season but has also only had six opportunities as part of appearing in 17 games.
Britton currently holds a 3.50 ERA, has eight walks and 14 strikeouts over 18 innings pitched. The 29-year-old has not pitched in consecutive games since returning from the disabled list earlier this month.
