The LA Dodgers may look at waiver trade deals in August, as the team has reportedly looked into both Alejandro De Aza and Chase Utley, while teams like the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, NY Yankees, Los Angeles Angels and Houston Astros also could be interested in the Phillies second baseman.
The Dodgers have been looking to upgrade second base with Howie Kendrick out, while the Giants have Joe Panik sidelined with an injury. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, the Dodgers have been "talking to" the Red Sox about De Aza. Rosenthal writes that De Aza can be a "possible alternative" for the Dodgers over Chase Utley. The Dodgers have Kendrick sidelined and they have had Enrique Hernandez in the lineup for him.
Hernandez can play in the outfield and the infield and if the team adds De Aza, the Dodgers will have some more flexibility. De Aza can slide into any of the outfield positions and while he has not been consistent this season, he has been hitting well since coming to Boston after opening with a slow start. De Aza is hitting .273 for the season in 83 games with seven home runs and 32 RBIs. Kendrick was placed on the DL last week and he was hitting .296 with nine home runs and 49 RBI in 105 games.
Utley is a target on the waiver trade market and teams like the Yankees, Angels, Giants, Dodgers and Cubs have shown interest, according to Hardball Talk. The Houston Astros have also shown interest in Utley and the Phillies are likely going to trade the second baseman by the end of August. The Cubs could make a move for Utley as they push towards the playoffs, while the Yankees and Giants also fit as options. The Giants have Joe Panik dealing with an injury and the Dodgers have Kendrick out and could be motivated to make a move.
Utley came back from an injury and he has played in 72 games this season and is hitting .213 with five home runs. Utley has playoffs and championship experience and he is a sure handed fielder and he also has the right to veto any trade because of his 10-and-5 rights with the Phillies. Utley likely wants to move to a contender and the Giants reportedly have talked names of prospects with the Phillies, while the Angels thought they had a deal done last week, according to Fox Sports.
