The Los Angeles Dodgers tried to address their biggest weakness, but the problem persists.
Even with a fully loaded roster last season, the team was forced to rely heavily on its bullpen as it suffered an epidemic of starter injuries. And, so far, this year is shaping up to be much of the same.
Blake Snell has joined Clayton Kershaw, Emmet Sheehan, Gavin Stone and River Ryan on the injured list, with Shohei Ohtani continuing to work his way back to the mound. And the latest update on another oft-injured starter suggests a drastic solution could be in order.
“Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Tyler Glasnow will not throw for 10-14 days and will be re-evaluated from there, manager Dave Roberts announced this week,” according to Valentina Martinez of Dodgers Nation. “The latest update does not bode well for the 31-year-old, whose injury saga has exhausted himself, the team, and fans.”
At this point, it would be hard to count on Glasnow remaining healthy enough to carry a significant load in a playoff run. And that could drive the team to pursue a trade for a proven veteran who suddenly seems available.
“Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo Lopez looms as a possibility — and he’d make sense for the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, specifically,” Robert Murray of Fansided wrote. “The (Twins have) looked to shed payroll for some time as their ownership situation remains unsettled, and moving on from his four-year, $73.5 million contract could allow the front office to pour resources into different areas of the roster.”
Lopez earned an All-Star nod in 2023 and he’s maintained a 2.25 ERA with 26 strikeouts in five starts so far this season. But, perhaps more importantly for the Dodgers, he’s proven to be durable, making 32 starts in each of the past three seasons.
“The Dodgers’ fit, meanwhile, is obvious,” Murray added. “They love star players. They have learned in recent years that you can never have enough starting pitching … and that has been the case with Tyler Glasnow.”
As the team assesses the trade landscape for a final piece in its back-to-back championship pursuit, Lopez is suddenly emerging as a compelling option.
More MLB: Cubs Should Pursue $73.5 Million Ace From Twins to Bolster Rotation
The post Twins’ Pablo Lopez Pinpointed As Dodgers Trade Fit After Tyler Glasnow News appeared first on Newsweek.
