Struggling Dodgers Could Upgrade Bullpen In Unexpected Way

The Los Angeles Dodgers might be one of the most talented and expensive teams in the league, but injuries have destroyed their roster as much as any team in baseball.

The Dodgers’ pitching staff, both the bullpen and starting rotation, has seen grueling injuries during the first half of the year. There’s a good chance the Dodgers will use the trade market to upgrade their pitching in the next few weeks.

Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly recently suggested the Dodgers could pursue a trade for Minnesota Twins reliever Griffin Jax in the coming weeks.

“One of the ways the Dodgers overcame a lack of World Series-caliber starting pitching last year was to have a deep bullpen,” Kelly wrote. “Between the injuries and a disappointing first season with L.A. from Tanner Scott, Friedman should double down on the bullpen this year.”

“Griffin Jax of the Twins would be a great fit because he can pitch the ninth inning, but HE could also be utilized in other high-leverage situations. He had a minuscule 2.03 ERA in 72 games a season ago. He’s regressed to a 4.12 ERA this season, though both his 3.10 expected ERA and 1.92 FIP suggest he’s been very unlucky.”

It seems like the Dodgers are going to be very aggressive at the trade deadline, so it would make sense for them to go after a more affordable pitcher like Jax compared to the top talents on the market like Ryan Helsley and Aroldis Chapman.

Jax has been unlucky this season, but he’s still been quite productive. The Dodgers wouldn’t need him to be a superstar in their bullpen. In fact, if he could consistently handle the seventh inning duties in Los Angeles, I’m sure the front office would take it.

This is one of the under-the-radar trade ideas that makes a lot of sense, but is often glossed over in favor of the bigger players on the market.

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