Early results for the Los Angeles Dodgers indicate that they added two of the smartest front-line starters in MLB history: Tyler Glasnow, acquired via trade, leads the majors with 81 strikeouts, and free agent Yoshinobu Yamamoto has a 3.21 ERA.
However, the remaining members of the pitching staff have had difficulty staying healthy. Most recently, elbow surgery has ruled out starter Emmet Sheehan for the remainder of the season. The Dodgers may decide to make a big midseason move as the injuries pile up.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report stated, “The Los Angeles Dodgers will likely be focusing on pitching help at the trade deadline. They rank third in the majors with a 3.16 ERA with several key arms on the mend. Through the season’s first 44 games, they have already used 23 different pitchers.”
It’s still unclear how much assistance will be required, especially while starting pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Bobby Miller recover from injuries. Reuter recommended the organisation seek a trade with the Oakland A’s to bring back veteran Alex Wood, who had his most productive seasons with the Dodgers from 2015 to 2018, if they do manage to return and contribute meaningful innings.
Reuter went on to say, “A reunion with Alex Wood could be an option if Clayton Kershaw and Bobby Miller both return strong and the Dodgers decide all they need is some veteran depth.” Wood was listed as the Dodgers’ top “out-of-the-box” trade target. “Wood is pitching for the Athletics on a one-year, $8.5 million contract. His numbers don’t look impressive, but on May 6 against the Texas Rangers, he threw a gem (6.0 IP, 2H, 0 ER, 3 K). A trip back to Dodger Stadium and a contending team could help him improve.”
Alex Wood, a veteran, may provide the most value to the Los Angeles Dodgers
With nine starts under his belt this season, Wood leads the American League in hits with pitches at five, and he has a miserable 5.26 ERA and 1.780 WHIP. Although he had a 4.33 ERA in five starts for the San Francisco Giants last season, his best seasons were spent with the Dodgers, so a reunion may be a big help.
Wood won 16 games with a 2.72 ERA and 151 strikeouts in 152.1 innings during a 2017 season with Los Angeles that garnered him votes for the Cy Young Award and an All-Star nomination. Wood finished the season with the best win percentage in MLB. Though it’s unlikely that he’ll reach that level of play again, he may be useful if he could eat some innings for the Dodgers as they try to keep their better arms healthy.
Potential Trade: Alex Wood to the Los Angeles Dodgers as a Bullpen Addition
With nine starts under his belt this season, Wood leads the American League in hits with pitches at five, and he has a miserable 5.26 ERA and 1.780 WHIP. Although he had a 4.33 ERA in five starts for the San Francisco Giants last season, his best seasons were spent with the Dodgers, so a reunion may be a big help.
Wood won 16 games with a 2.72 ERA and 151 strikeouts in 152.1 innings during a 2017 season with Los Angeles that garnered him votes for the Cy Young Award and an All-Star nomination. Wood finished the season with the best win percentage in MLB. Though it’s unlikely that he’ll reach that level of play again, he may be useful if he could eat some innings for the Dodgers as they try to keep their better arms healthy.
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