The Los Angeles Dodgers had a nine-game lead in the National League West division entering Independence Day, but after an abysmal 12-21 record since then, now sit in second place behind the San Diego Padres.
The Friars made quite a splash at the trade deadline, fortifying the weak spots in their roster and leveling up an already elite bullpen. The Dodgers, on the other hand, were far more reserved when it came to deadline deals.
Relief pitcher Brock Stewart and outfielder Alex Call were the only moves made to immediately impact the roster, but with Stewart landing on the injured list Tuesday, and Call batting just .150 in nine games, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman was asked if he has any regrets after a quiet deadline.
More news: Dodgers’ Andrew Friedman Feels Good About Roster Heading Into Stretch Run, NL West Race
“We don’t live like that,” Friedman said. “There’s deals that we thought made sense for us we pursued hard. It’s not like we had the potential to do a deal where we were like, ‘No’ and now we wish we would have.
“It’s always that balance. Lining up on a trade is hard. We feel good about the work we put in and the group that we have. Again, taking a snapshot on August 12th is one thing. Hopefully if we make it into October, seeing the roster that we submit we feel that it’s going to be a very, very strong roster. That’s our bet and that’s what we’re going with.”
The Dodgers knew that relief pitching was a major weakness on their team, but the reliever market at the trade deadline appeared to be at an all-time high, given the top prospects dealt for high-leverage arms around the league.
Although relying on currently injured players hasn’t always proven to be the wisest course of action, Friedman knows the kind of talent shelved away on the IL at the moment and those who will be back in time to contribute for October.
Right or not, the Dodgers are going to have to live with their decisions at the deadline, and try to get back into first place against the red-hot Padres.
More news: Dodgers’ Bobby Miller Reveals Biggest Adjustment in Move to Bullpen Thus Far
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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8 Responses
His job could be on the line if we get eliminated.
Relivers has been a weak spot all year.
Friedman feels good about the Dodgers?????? Well I don’t. The Padres are now in first place. Our pitching and the bottom of the line up are hurting. Roberts plays O fer Conforto without at least giving Ryan Ward a shot at Conforto’s spot. If the Dodgers don’t make the playoffs it’s time to release Friedman and Roberts.
Anybody really think Freidman is going to admit he messed up. I don’t think so. Elite, Elite!
Their window is already beginning to close! Cannot understand why they did not get Kwan and the best closer. Without them we are finished period. Hope i am wrong.
Remember a part of Ottani’s contract
states that Friedman along with others
in upper mgmt. must remain with the
organization the length of his deal!
What ot boils down to as far as the pitching is concerned is somehow finding a way to keep pitchers healthy and even better get beyond bring those in considered reclamation projects. They had to know of Stewart’s injury history
They did know and as I recall, there was a slight delay in finalizing the trade while reviewing his injury history. Must be some kind of TV doctor reviewing this stuff. And although I agree there’s an issue with pitching injuries, they still managed 50 wins out of the first 81 games, or the actual midpoint of the season without Snell, Glasnow, or Sasaki. Something else more nefarious is going on with this team.