National Broadcaster Has Surprising Trade Deadline Advice for Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers had a brutal week losing Mookie Betts and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to injuries. While neither is lost for the season, their loss delivers a big blow.
The injuries have also sparked conversation regarding the trade deadline and whether or not the Dodgers should sign a shortstop or another starting pitcher. Fox Sports MLB Write Rowan Kavner spoke with Hall of Famer and baseball analyst John Smoltz about the decision the Dodgers are facing.
“I don’t think they have to be desperate,” Smoltz said. “I think they’re gonna win the division, obviously, unless somebody really gets hot in the NL West. They have that going for them, and they can be patient and kind of cherry-pick. But if they do show desperation and really go after pieces that alter their future with some of the prospects they have, I just think it’s going to be a wait-and-see scenario. I think they’re good enough with their roster to win the division easily.
“Now, I don’t know how important having one of those two best records is to them. But they’re in a great spot, despite some of the bad injuries. You look at the two front-runners before the season started, both the Braves and Dodgers have lost a significant pitcher and a significant player. And everyone else seems to be OK when it comes to some of the injuries. Although Philadelphia has had their share of injuries recently, they’re getting Trea Turner back. It’s kind of a hold, hold, hold, and then cherry-pick a player when one of those teams falls off.”
Smoltz isn’t wrong. The Dodgers are in a great spot. Entering Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels, the Dodgers had a comfortable nine-game lead in the division. They have a rising star in Gavin Stone, who is more than capable of filling in for Yamamoto, and Miguel Rojas is actually a defensive upgrade at shortstop.
The next few weeks will answer any questions that the Dodgers need answered. Until then, the team will continue to play with the best lineup possible.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, livestreams, and more!
