Dodgers Have 2 Main Areas They Will Be Looking to Improve at Trade Deadline: Report

With the All-Star break in the rear-view mirror, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ trade deadline needs are clear. They need a starting pitcher and an outfielder.

The pitching staff limped into the break with a patchwork job. The starting rotation on the injured list could go out and make a postseason run, the active rotation is barely surviving.

Fox Sports baseball insider Ken Rosenthal laid out the Dodgers’ needs on FS1.

“Starting pitcher again. And the reason is all the pitchers that are banged up in their position right now. Walker Buehler, and Tyler Glasnow, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clayton Kershaw still on the IL. Bobby Miller back in the minor leagues. They need someone who can stabilize them a little bit, give them some innings, give them more certainty.”

— Ken Rosenthal, via FS1

The Dodgers have reportedly been in contact with the Chicago White Sox regarding starting pitcher Garrett Crochet, but there could also be a less costly option on the trade market with a more reliable track record of success as a starter late in a season. Crochet is unproven down the stretch and in the postseason due to injuries and the fact that he plays for the White Sox.

The other key spot for the Dodgers is in the outfield. Jason Heyward is also on the IL for the second time this season, which has limited the club’s options in right field. Andy Pages, James Outman, and Miguel Vargas have each had their moments but they aren’t consistent.

“The other thing the Dodgers could use is an outfielder, maybe to hit seventh in their lineup so that once Muncy and Betts are back they have a lengthier lineup. They’ve had moments where Pages has been good, and where Miguel Vargas has been good, and Outman is back now, but they would like a veteran to really stabilize things in that outfield.”

— Ken Rosenthal, via FS1

Los Angeles doesn’t need to go out and find an All-Star to fill the outfield hole, but the Dodgers do need to find someone who brings stability to the bottom of the lineup, which has caused problems throughout the first half.

Photo Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

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