The Los Angeles Dodgers have the best record in the National League despite a five-game losing streak. They have been hit hard by injuries this season.
Many of their injuries have come on the pitching side. Roki Sasaki, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin and Blake Snell are all on the shelf.
This is an area the Dodgers should look to improve at the trade deadline, as despite the depth of their farm system, it can't hurt to have a few more arms ready.
The Dodgers are expected to buy this summer. Tim Britton, Aaron Gleeman and Chad Jennings of The Athletic predict that they will be a fit for right-hander Seth Lugo.
"The pitch and batted ball data suggest he’s not been as good as a year ago, but Lugo has remained plenty effective. He has a player option for 2026 he’s unlikely to exercise barring injury, meaning the right-hander should be considered a rental."
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The Dodgers are in desperate need of more arms to get them through the rest of the regular season. They'll only be able to make it so far with some of their key pitchers on the shelf.
Lugo can eat innings and keep them in games if they do decide to acquire him. He is 6-5 with a 2.67 ERA and 3.1 WAR in 17 starts with the Kansas City Royals this season.
His player option is unlikely to be picked up, meaning that he will likely be a rental at the trade deadline. But if 2024's trade deadline was any indication, rental pitchers will come at a high cost.
The Dodgers will have to give up a lot, but it might be worth it if they want to make another push towards a World Series title this coming fall.
It will be interesting to see how the Dodgers navigate the final weeks leading up to the deadline.