The Los Angeles Dodgers have entered the All-Star Break with the best record in baseball at 42-24. They have a 11 and 1/2 game lead in the National League West and appear to be getting reinforcements off the Injured List soon. However, they have proved to be human in the last week. They have lost five of their last seven games, including getting swept at Dodger Stadium by their division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks. Is this just a blip on the radar? Or would they benefit from making a trade or two before August 3rd? Here are three areas where they could add depth as they approach the stretch run of the season.
Three Areas that the Dodgers Could Improve at the Trade Deadline
A Middle Infielder
It feels like Alex Freeland is a placeholder right now at second base. To his credit, his defense has been nearly flawless, and he has shown some occasional power at the bottom of the lineup. Miguel Rojas plays an incredible role on the team, but he isn’t an every-day player anymore. Tommy Edman is back from the I.L. and playing on a healthy ankle for the first time in years, and his .343 batting average reflects it. Edman is bound to come down to earth eventually, but the former National League Championship Most Valuable Player is a gamer and will do whatever it takes to win.
The big question will be if the Dodgers’ version of “Mr. October,” that is, Enrique Hernandez, can stay healthy. It is unlikely that Los Angeles will trade for a veteran second baseman if Kike can stay on the field. There is a chance that they will address their lack of minor-league infield depth at some point in the near future, but not necessarily at this year’s deadline.
Backup Backstop
Catcher Will Smith’s neck injury has put a wrench in the works for the Boys in Blue. What was supposedly a day-to-day issue has turned into more than a month-long absence, complete with an injection and a cessation of baseball activities. The Dodgers say there has been some improvement, but it’s slow in coming. As of now, Smith will need a rehab assignment before he returns to the team. For his part, Dalton Rushing has filled in admirably in his stead. The rookie is hitting above .240 and has delivered some punch at the bottom of the lineup.
But even the youngster needs rest at times. The Dodgers are extremely thin at backup catcher. They designated Chuckie Robinson for assignment and called Eliezer Alphonso up from Double-A. If there is another substantial delay in Smith’s return, the Dodgers will have to address the need by acquiring a veteran catcher.
A Starting Pitcher
Los Ángeles began the season by implementing a six-man starting rotation to limit the workload and general wear and tear on arms. Despite their best efforts, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are dealing with injuries. The good news is Snell looks like he is well on his way to recovery and will return shortly after the All-Star Break. Glasnow’s return timeline is still up in the air. Every time the right-hander ramps up his throwing program, his back pain intensifies.
If the postseason started today, Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Blake Snell (if healthy) would be the top options in the rotation. Tyler Glasnow would be the obvious fourth choice. Right now, that is far from certain. It is hard to see the Dodgers hand the reins of a Game Four start to Roki Sasaki, who has an Earned Run Average north of five. The young right-hander has struggled with being consistently effective and remains a work-in-progress. Likewise, Emmet Sheehan’s fastball velocity has fluctuated, and it has taken a toll on his E.R.A. As a result, he might be a postseason middle reliever.
Therefore, if the Dodgers do anything before August 3rd, the most likely result will be a starter to fortify an uncertain rotation. And we have three weeks to find out who it is.
Main Photo Credits: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
