The Los Angeles Dodgers have already begun to make some changes in their bullpen, with Lou Trivino getting designated for assignment and Edgardo Henriquez recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday.
Trivino was effective for a spell, but had a 5.79 ERA, 1.79 WHIP and just seven strikeouts in his last 15 appearances.
The Dodgers have some bullpen talent on the injured list they expect to return this season, including Michael Kopech and Brusdar Graterol. Blake Treinen is also nearing the end of his rehab assignment.
However, the Dodgers are exploring the market ahead of the trade deadline to help out in the meantime and to improve the group overall. They scouted and considered free agent David Robertson prior to his signing with the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Matt Gelb of the Athletic:
It’s not just the Phillies who are desperate — the Dodgers, Mets, Cubs, Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Tigers sent someone to watch David Robertson.
Robertson pitched 72 innings last season for the Texas Rangers, with a 3.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 12.38 strikeouts per nine and 34 holds. He signed a prorated $16 million contract for the remainder of the season with the Phillies and was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate.
Robertson has a career 2.91 ERA, 177 saves and 1,154 strikeouts across 876.2 innings.
It is not the first time the Dodgers have expressed interest in Robertson, only to lose out to the Phillies. They also were among the teams connected to him in free agency prior to the 2019 season, but he ultimately signed with Philadelphia.
The Dodgers also inquired about Robertson in 2022, but the Chicago Cubs ended up trading him to the Phillies.
Dodgers bullpen options after missing out on David Robertson
The Dodgers’ bullpen situation worsened after Tanner Scott exited Monday’s game with a left forearm injury, though to what extent is currently unclear.
Regardless of how long Scott is out for, the Dodgers have looked into the availability of several high-end bullpen arms.
The list is said to include the Baltimore Orioles’ Félix Bautista, Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ David Bednar and Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians
L.A. has also previously been linked to Minnesota Twins relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax.
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