While the Los Angeles Dodgers have had dominant pitching be something that has defined them over the years, it is starting to have more question marks than answers, something that is only going to get worse in the coming year. The Dodgers have Clayton Kershaw and Zach Grienke holding things down, but outside of those two stars, there are major issues rising for the Dodgers which could force the team to get very active at the trade deadline.
A big hit for the Dodgers came earlier in the week when starter Brett Anderson took himself out of the lineup due to Achilles tendon soreness. The pitcher has been dealing with that issue for some time now and it has flared up to a dangerous level. According to Mark Saxon of ESPN.com, Anderson is trying to remain hopeful that he is able to avoid the disabled list, but that might be the likely outcome. On top of the injury, both Mike Bolsinger and Brandon Beachy have been struggling as of late, hurting the short-term outlook for the rotation.
There is also a long-term problem with the Dodgers pitching that could force them to trade. According to Jayson Stark of ESPN.com, the Dodgers are keeping in the back of their head the idea that Greinke will opt out of his contract at the end of this season. The pitcher has the chance to head elsewhere if he wants in 2016 which would leave the Dodgers with Kershaw and question marks. Trading for a long-term pitcher now would be the ideal move for the team.
There are several players that are simply being viewed as rentals. Johnny Cueto and David Price each have expiring contracts and will command big money on the open market. Cole Hamels appears to be the best option as he is still under contract for three more seasons at $23.5 million a year. That would give the Dodgers at least another guaranteed arm to work into the rotation.
With Carl Crawford returning to the lineup, the NJ.com suggests the Dodgers offer up Yasiel Puig in a trade deal. The Philadelphia Phillies would certainly like to get their hands on a cornerstone outfielder while the Cincinnati Reds or Detroit Tigers would not turn down the talented bat. He could be the best trade piece the Dodgers have at the moment. Los Angeles will be thinking short-term and long-term when it comes to trade deals. Getting expiring contracts is not ideal, but it might be their only option.
