Dodgers GM Makes it Clear LA is Targeting ‘Impact-Type’ Players at Trade Deadline

The Los Angeles Dodgers pulled a shocking move on Monday when they designated James Paxton for assignment. The veteran lefty had not missed a start all season but general manager Brandon Gomes needed to clear a roster spot for pitching prospect River Ryan.

Ryan pitched beautifully in his major league debut. While Gomes felt awful breaking the news to Paxton, he has one thing on his mind ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline – find someone who can take the mound in the playoffs.

Gomes didn’t see Paxton as a guy who fits that bill, despite his ability to stay healthy.

“(We’re) certainly looking for impact-type players,” Gomes told reporters. “We think our team right now is really good, especially once we get back to full strength. Targeting starting pitching, but it’s going to be an impact-type arm.”

The Dodgers have reportedly been connected to Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty of the Detroit Tigers and Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox.

Top-line starting pitchers are scare, but the Dodgers got Tyler Glasnow back from the injured list on Wednesday night and activated Clayton Kershaw for his season debut on Thursday. Walker Buehler is starting in Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto should return before the end of the season in time for a postseason run.

“There are different confidence levels,” Gomes said. “Going from there, it’s like OK, where does that slot in on what’s available in the market? Everything that we’re doing, we’re in the fortunate position in the division that right now we can make more of those focused plays.”

Photo Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

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