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The Los Angeles Dodgers have dealt with as many pitching injuries as any team in the league this season. Still, they’re at the top of the National League West while being one of the best teams in baseball.
Los Angeles will likely use the trade market like it does every year to find the necessary upgrades to keep the team at the top of the league. This likely includes looking to land a starting pitcher in the coming weeks.
RB Hayek of Clutch Points recently urged the Dodgers to swing a trade for Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Zack Littell ahead of the trade deadline.
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“It would not be the first time the Dodgers made a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays to acquire a starting pitcher. So far, it’s worked out, so it would not be surprising to see them go back to the well,” Hayek wrote. “The Rays are in second place in the American League East, but that has not stopped them from shipping out talent in the past.
“Littell has been productive this season, going 6-7 with a 3.78 ERA over 16 starts for the Rays. No, he isn’t a dominant starting pitcher. But he is the exact arm the Dodgers could mold into postseason success. Remember, this is the same team that won the World Series with just three starting pitchers. If the Dodgers were to get Littell, they would have a surplus of pitchers and be able to mix and match them wherever they want in the playoffs.”
While this would obviously be a solid fit for the Dodgers, the Rays might not want to trade Littell while they’re contending for a postseason spot.
But if the Dodgers are willing to part ways with a big league-ready prospect like Bobby Miller or James Outman in the return, the idea could make a bit more sense.
If the Rays continue to compete at the top of the American League East, they might not be eager to trade from their big league roster. If the Dodgers can wow them with a trade package, this idea could come to life.
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