After days of little movement as teams made final determinations on whether or not to be buyers or sellers at the MLB trade deadline, there’s been an increase in activity during the final hours. Of course, for the Los Angeles Dodgers, their stance has long been clear.
Despite boasting the best record in baseball, the Dodgers have a glaring weakness in their bullpen. Addressing the deficiency has seeming been a focus of theirs, as L.A. has been connected to a slew of relief pitchers.
The majority of the speculation has the Dodgers interested in Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star Felipe Vazquez, Detroit Tigers closer Shane Greene, New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz, and San Francisco Giants southpaws Will Smith and Tony Watson.
While a deal for Vazquez doesn’t appear likely because of the Pirates’ demands, and the Giants seemingly undecided on which direction to go in, Greene might be the most-likely to get moved.
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Dodgers and Atlanta Braves remain in discussions with the Tigers for their All-Star:
Dodgers, Braves are trying for Shane Greene. Nats have been in as well, unsure if Hudson acquisition affects
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2019
Although the Dodgers’ search for bullpen help has largely centered around left-handed options, they reportedly hold Greene in high regard among righties.
A converted starter, Greene had a strong 2017 campaign in his second season as a full-time relief pitcher, but experienced some regression last year. The Dodgers were also said to have interest Greene prior to last season’s trade deadline.
The 30-year-old is 0-2 with 22 saves, a 1.18 ERA, 3.70 FIP and 0.87 WHIP in 38 games this year. Greene is due to become a free agent after the 2020 season, which in theory lowers the cost to complete a trade.