Dodgers keep rebuilding roster in trade with Rays

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been busy ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.

The Dodgers improved their roster earlier on Monday, adding utility man Tommy Edman and reliever Michael Kopech as part of a three-team deal with the Cardinals and White Sox. Edman provides needed flexibility as he has experience at second, third, short and all three outfield positions. Kopech adds another power arm with closing experience to the bullpen, bolstering a potential weakness down the stretch.

The Dodgers were not done with that trade. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Dodgers have acquired Amed Rosario from the Rays. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that minor league pitcher Michael Flynn is heading to Tampa Bay in return.

This is the second time that the Dodgers have acquired Rosario ahead of the deadline, having sent Noah Syndergaard and cash to the Guardians for his services last year. He had posted a .307/.331/.417 batting line in his 275 plate appearances entering Monday, hitting two homers and 17 doubles while stealing nine bases. He is expected to fill a utility role for the Dodgers, slotting around the infield and outfield.

In exchange, the Rays added 27-year-old minor league reliever Michael Flynn. He had posted a 4.25 ERA and a 1.157 WHIP in his 42.1 innings between Double-A and Triple-A, striking out 59 batters with 16 walks. Flynn has typically done well at keeping the ball on the ground, although that has changed in the offensively charged Pacific Coast League.

This trade gives the Dodgers more sorely needed depth. Shortstop Mookie Betts, infielder Miguel Rojas and utility man Chris Taylor are all on the injured list.

Third baseman Max Muncy is on the 60-day IL with an oblique strain and has not made any progress in his recovery. Rosario and Edman provide options as the Dodgers look to patch the holes in the lineup.