Dodgers Trade Rumors: Tepesch Released, Jay Bruce Interest, and More

Pitching relief can’t come fast enough for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who recently released spot starter Nick Tepesch after he gave up five runs on seven hits in four innings pitched on Friday. Tepesch, who was designated for assignment prior to his release, was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics on Monday.

#Athletics claim RHP Nick Tepesch off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers; designate LHP Eric Surkamp for assignment

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— Oakland A's (@Athletics) June 27, 2016

As a result of the Dodgers clearing up a spot in the rotation with the depletion of their starting pitching, the Dodgers will call up 24-year-old Brock Stewart to make his MLB debut on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Brewers.

RHP Brock Stewart will be 9th starting pitcher used by #Dodgers this season, 4th to make MLB debut

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) June 27, 2016

RHP Brock Stewart likely to start for the #Dodgers on Wednesday. A look at his numbers via Baseball Reference pic.twitter.com/NbOVhr8wrU

— Elisa Hernandez (@EHernandezTV) June 27, 2016

I'm so incredibly fortunate to say that the dreams I've had since I was a young boy have come true. I got the call!!

— Brock Stewart (@Brock_A_Stewart) June 27, 2016

The Dodgers should be in the market for more starters, but also have to address needs on other parts of the baseball diamond.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Dodgers have interest in acquiring Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce. The veteran slugger currently has a slash line this season of .278/.325/.574.

#Dodgers had multiple scouts watching #Reds and #Padres this weekend. Per @Ken_Rosenthal, Jay Bruce is under consideration by Dodgers. @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 27, 2016

The Dodgers have been trade partners with the Reds in the past seven months, as the two teams, along with the Chicago White Sox, pulled off a deal that landed Trayce Thompson in Los Angeles. Bruce is currently under contract through the 2017 season.

Another prized possession the Dodgers would like to acquire is Cuban free agent Yulieski Gourriel. He worked out for the Dodgers last Tuesday.

Yulieski Gourriel keeps posting photos in #Dodgers gear. Is he telling us something? el_yuly10's photo https://t.co/9lAwrGKSGe

— . (@THEREAL_DV) June 23, 2016

The 32-year-old Cuban import has had two years of experience in the Nippon Professional Baseball League, but recently defected from his home nation in Feb. 2016 in hopes of playing Major League Baseball. The Dodgers are potential suitors for Gourriel, but have competition from the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants to win his services.

Whatever the market presents for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the assumption is that they will be active come Aug. 1. The trade deadline will be held on Aug. 1 because the usual date, July 31, falls on a Sunday.

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