The Los Angeles Dodgers are entering Monday's trade deadline with remaining tasks and issues to address, even after acquiring Tarik Skubal in a significant trade over the weekend. While President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman indicated that further additions to the major league roster are less likely, the team is still looking to optimize its present and future.
Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the team was outplayed during a recent series sweep, stating, "They were hungrier... It’s not an excuse." Deficiencies were noted across various aspects, including base-running, starting pitching, and offense, but the bullpen has emerged as a primary concern. Since late May, the bullpen has posted a bottom-10 earned run average in the majors, a stark contrast to its earlier record-setting scoreless streak. With key relievers Edwin Díaz now back, but Brock Stewart and Will Klein on the injured list, and other right-handed options struggling, the bullpen is potentially the team's biggest weakness.
Despite these concerns, sources familiar with the team's plans suggest no external relief reinforcements are expected. This strategy appears to hinge on the anticipated return of several key starting pitchers. Blake Snell is nearing a return, with one rehab start remaining. Tyler Glasnow is beginning a rehab stint and is expected back within a month. Shohei Ohtani is also scheduled to commence a throwing program this week.
Once healthy, as many as three surplus starting pitchers could be transitioned to relief roles. Promising candidates for this shift include left-hander Justin Wrobleksi and right-hander Roki Sasaki, both of whom performed well in relief last October and have continued to improve. However, Emmet Sheehan, who was not included in the Skubal trade package, has struggled recently. After showing improvement in his mechanics a month ago, his inconsistency has resurfaced, culminating in a poor outing on Sunday where his fastball velocity dropped and he allowed multiple home runs. Manager Roberts expressed uncertainty about Sheehan's next rotation start, noting, "I don’t know where we go from here."
Sheehan, like Wrobleksi and Sasaki, is likely to shift to a bullpen role at some point. However, his current form needs significant improvement before that transition can be relied upon. If the Dodgers do not acquire external relief help by the deadline, Sheehan's performance could become a critical factor in the team's late-season push.
The Dodgers may still engage in trades involving excess players. Eric Lauer, who is shifting to a bullpen role following Skubal's arrival, and Alex Call, who has seen limited playing time, are potential trade candidates. The team also has an abundance of outfielders in its farm system, which could lead to minor league deals to potentially open up opportunities for prospects like Josue De Paula or Mike Sirota.
Another area to monitor is the catcher position, particularly after Dalton Rushing was scratched from Sunday's game with minor arm irritation. Rushing underwent an X-ray during the game, which came back negative, and is expected to travel with the team. The Dodgers have already been looking for depth at catcher due to Will Smith's ongoing absence from a neck injury, with Smith still likely a month away from returning. Rushing's situation could add further urgency to this market.