The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently facing challenges as they navigate through a tough stretch in their season. After a strong start with a record of 56-32, the team has hit a rough patch, going 2-10 recently, largely due to injuries impacting their pitching depth.
As the MLB trade deadline approaches on July 31, the Dodgers are in a position where they need to make some moves to bolster their roster. Reports indicate they are looking to enhance their bullpen, having been connected to several potential targets including Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax from the Minnesota Twins, Félix Bautista and Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles, and Kyle Finnegan from the Washington Nationals. In addition to pitching help, the Dodgers are also considering acquiring a utility player to cover positions affected by injuries, such as third baseman Max Muncy, who is showing progress in his recovery from a knee issue.
Despite their offseason investments in their bullpen, which included signing closer Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract, the results have not met expectations. Scott has struggled with a 4.00 ERA and has blown seven saves this season, while another offseason addition, Kirby Yates, has shown improvement with a 3.94 ERA. However, both pitchers, who were All-Stars last year, have exhibited inconsistent performances, further emphasizing the urgency for the Dodgers to strengthen their roster before the trade deadline.
This situation, while challenging, offers the Dodgers an opportunity to reassess and strategically enhance their team dynamics moving forward. With the impending return of some of their starting pitchers, hopes remain high for a resurgence as they seek to navigate through this difficult phase of the season.