Do the Dodgers need Tarik Skubal? Latest on LA's rotation, injuries
· Yahoo Sports
The Los Angeles Dodgers are in a position to make a big move ahead of the MLB deadline.
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MLB pundits have been pointing to the Dodgers as a landing spot for Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal.
In fact, the Dodgers were linked to Skubal back in December, when Kyle Tucker also was being floated as a potential target in free agency. Tucker eventually did sign with the Dodgers in January.
The Dodgers remain serious about their quest for a World Series three-peat, which would add a 10th championship to the trophy case at Dodger Stadium.
Manager Dave Roberts and superstar Shohei Ohtani have led the way to back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025. The New York Yankees and the Athletics are the only other franchises to win three consecutive World Series titles.
Here's what the Dodgers will consider before the trade deadline:
Do Dodgers need Tarik Skubal?
Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, is one of the best pitchers in the league and the Dodgers could benefit from having him on the mound considering the injuries that have impacted the rotation this season.
Ohtani had a setback in his recovery from a left knee injury, delaying his scheduled bullpen session on July 25 in New York.
It remains uncertain whether Ohtani will be back on the mound in August due to inflammation and irritation in his left knee. The Dodgers are expected to take extra precautions with the two-way star during the second half of the season.
Roberts confirmed on July 25 that there was some “regression” with Ohtani's knee following his bullpen session in Philadelphia on July 22.
Tyler Glasnow (back injury) is expected to return some time in August from the 60-day IL. The 32-year-old pitcher was cleared to resume throwing off the mound in early July and was scheduled to face live hitters last week.
Blake Snell is also taking steps toward a return. The 33-year-old southpaw is expected to make his third minor league rehab start at Triple-A Oklahoma City on July 29.
The Dodgers will have to decide whether their rotation's health can coalesce for a deep playoff run, or if reinforcements are needed. Skubal had injury issues himself earlier this season, having missed about five weeks with an elbow injury. Skubal returned sooner than expected after undergoing a revolutionary procedure using the NanoNeedle Scope 2.0.
What can the Dodgers give up in potential Tarik Skubal trade?
If Los Angeles wanted to continue to stockpile premier talent, the team has plenty to offer the Tigers.
In an effort to acquire Skubal, the Dodgers could consider offering an immediate starting pitcher in Emmet Sheehan, along with outfielder Zyhir Hope and shortstop Aidan West from the farm system.
Sheehan is viewed as a high-upside pitcher with an explosive fastball, while Hope and West have shown promise.
What are the Dodgers other needs?
The Dodgers' biggest need might be at catcher. Will Smith has served as the team's primary catcher since 2019, but there’s been a level of uncertainty around Smith’s status for the rest of the season due to an inflamed disk in his neck.
Dalton Rushing has played in 62 games this season, but the second-year player still has room for improvement. Rushing has had a few passed ball incidents this season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Do the Dodgers need Tarik Skubal? Latest on LA's rotation, injuries