Following the significant acquisition of two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal over the weekend, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a series of less dramatic moves on Monday's trade deadline, focusing on adding depth rather than making major roster changes.
The team bolstered its catching depth by reacquiring Ben Rortvedt from the Mets and Hunter Feduccia from the Rays. These moves came after Dalton Rushing was placed on the injured list with an elbow strain. Rushing, who has been filling in for the injured Will Smith, is considered to have a mild injury and is expected to return this season.
In addition to the catching acquisitions, the Dodgers added left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic from the Kansas City Royals. Bubic, a 2025 All-Star selection, is currently dealing with elbow and shoulder issues and is expected to return around the end of August to serve as a swingman option. Bubic has experience as both a starter and a bulk reliever during his seven-year career.
The team also made an internal roster move, optioning pitcher Emmet Sheehan to triple-A following a difficult start on Sunday. Sheehan's demotion to triple-A is intended to give the 26-year-old right-hander an opportunity to reset amid struggles with consistent mechanics this season. This move allowed Eric Lauer to retain his spot in the starting rotation, a position that had been uncertain following Skubal's arrival.
Notably, the Dodgers did not make any subtractions from their Major League Baseball roster. Both Lauer, who will continue in the starting rotation, and Alex Call, who remains as a right-handed bench bat, were retained despite previous trade explorations.