The Dodgers are gearing up for the trade deadline, and the question on everyone's mind is: will they make a big move? With the second half of the regular season underway, the pressure is on to strengthen the roster and maintain championship expectations. The starting pitching, in particular, has been a concern, with injuries and struggles plaguing the rotation. Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow have combined for just 42 2/3 innings, while Roki Sasaki and Emmet Sheehan have had their fair share of setbacks. This could lead to an internal solution, with Snell and Glasnow on the mend, but a setback could force the team to look externally.
One name that has been making waves is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. The reigning two-time American League Cy Young award winner has been a reliable arm when healthy, and the Dodgers are among the many teams interested in his services. Skubal's availability is a big deal, and the Dodgers, with their asset-rich status, are in a prime position to make a move. Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times argues that the Dodgers should 'get it done', and with their minor leaguers and fringe major leaguers, they have the resources to do so. The question remains: will they pull the trigger?
Another story to watch is Shohei Ohtani's status. The two-way star missed the All-Star Game and the weekend prior due to knee treatment. While he was expected to start the Dodgers' series in the Bronx, that plan has changed. The team has announced that Ohtani will not make a pitching start during the series, and instead, Roki Sasaki, Emmet Sheehan, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto will take the mound. The hope is that Ohtani will be in the lineup for Friday's opener, but the uncertainty surrounding his health is a concern for the team and fans alike.
In my opinion, the Dodgers' decision to strengthen their starting pitching is a smart move. With championship expectations, they cannot afford to rely on a patchwork rotation. Skubal, in particular, is an intriguing prospect, and his availability could be a game-changer. However, the team must also be cautious, as a move like this could have implications for the future. The Dodgers have a strong farm system, and trading for Skubal could mean giving up some of their top prospects. It's a delicate balance, and the team must weigh their options carefully.
The trade deadline is a time of great anticipation and speculation. The Dodgers, with their championship aspirations, are in a unique position to make a big move. Whether they pull the trigger on Skubal or another player remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the countdown has begun, and the Dodgers are ready to make their move.
