Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
On this episode of Dugout Blues, Jared and I recap the week and are so looking for the trade deadline to come and go.
The Dodgers dropped 2-of-3 games in Philadelphia, including a game where they threw in the towel by having Enrique Hernandez pitch in the 16th inning of a tie game. They bounced back by taking 3-of-4 in Atlanta. The final game of the Barves series was a near no-hitter by Sean Newcomb. He was allowed to throw 134 pitches — 23 more than his previous career-high — for a good-not-great feat. I’m glad I’m not a Barves fan…
Yasiel Puig is back from the disabled list. He drove in three runs, including a home run, on Saturday in the Dodgers’ win. It turns out he might be good and might be even better when he’s healthy.
Walker Buehler also returned. He didn’t fare too well in Philadelphia, but maybe now he can hit his stride after a couple of shaky outings.
The trade deadline is tomorrow. The Dodgers already made their big move in Manny Machado, and we both agree that they should go all-in and try to land Jacob deGrom. There’s no real evidence that the Mets are going to trade him, but if they’re willing, the Dodgers should be first in line. A nice secondary prize could be Chris Archer, who has been the subject of trade rumors for the better part of 2 1/2 years now. If they don’t land either of them, look for them to add to the bullpen. Keone Kela is the hot name as of now.
Andre Ethier is retiring, and the Dodgers are honoring him with a ceremony before Friday’s game. He was a solid, consistent player for the Dodgers over his 12-year career. While he’s not a Hall of Famer (not even close), he’ll be fondly remembered by Dodger fans for his play on the field and his GIF potential.
In the minors, Alex Verdugo is still hitting. He actually homered on Friday for the LA Dodgers before getting optioned to make room for Puig. Gavin Lux is remains hot and Luke Raley had himself a solid week in Tulsa. On the mound, 3rd-rounder John Rooney made his pro debut. He could make Great Lakes before season’s end. Yadier Alvarez has been better since returning from injury, but he’s also pitching out of the bullpen. It might not be a coincidence. Marshall Kasowski — a guy you’ve never heard of — is having a great season in the system. He’s a relief prospect, but the 2017 13th-rounder has a 43.7 K% in 53 2/3 innings this season. He’s a sleeper. Robinson Ortiz is also a sleeper. The 18-year-old is holding his own in the AZL. Tony Gonsolin might be a guy. Gerardo Carrillo is a July 2 signing who is making a solid impression this season, as is Edwin Uceta. And Mitchell White is pitching better, but he forgot how to miss bats. Hopefully he can put it all together again.
Lots of Q&A to close, which isn’t unexpected right before the trade deadline. Please keep them coming.
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