The Los Angeles Dodgers own MLB's best record at 55-30 and look every bit like the World Series favorite.
The Dodgers' loaded lineup is tied with the Washington Nationals for the most runs scored in baseball with 452. They also rank first in batting average, hitting a collective .264.
The success hasn't just been on the offensive end. Entering Tuesday, Los Angeles's 3.44 team ERA ranks fourth-best in baseball. The Dodgers also rank first in WHIP (1.12) and opponents' batting average (.214). Their starting rotation has been especially impressive, posting a 3.27 ERA that ranks second in MLB behind only the Milwaukee Brewers (3.19).
However, that production has not been evenly distributed throughout the rotation. Yoshinobu Yamamoto has dazzled with a 2.67 ERA through 15 starts this season, while Justin Wrobleski has blossomed into one of the Dodgers' most reliable arms. Across 14 appearances (13 starts), the 25-year-old southpaw is 9-2 with an impressive 2.71 ERA and 1.01 WHIP.
Shohei Ohtani has impressed on the mound as well, posting a 1.58 ERA across 13 starts. However, his 79.2 innings are not enough to qualify for MLB pitching leaderboards or NL Cy Young award consideration. In order to become eligible, Ohtani must log at least one inning pitched for every Dodgers game played. This means Ohtani would need to throw at least 162 innings by season's end.
The remainder of the Dodgers' rotation currently consists of Emmet Sheehan (5.08 ERA), Roki Sasaki (4.88 ERA), and newcomer Eric Lauer, who has a 2.88 ERA in six appearances (five starts) with Los Angeles. Meanwhile, both Tyler Glasnow (lower back spasms) and Blake Snell (loose bodies in his left elbow) remain on the 60-day injured list.
Despite the rotation's overall success, injuries and inconsistency could make adding another starter a priority as the trade deadline approaches.
Biggest Trade Deadline Need
In a June 30 article, MLB.com's insider Mark Feinsand identified starting pitching as Los Angeles' biggest trade deadline need.
"The two-time defending World Series champs are pretty stacked all around their roster, but if there’s one thing the Dodgers are always in the market for, it’s starting pitching depth," Feinsand wrote. "Los Angeles has gotten only three innings from Blake Snell and 39 2/3 from Tyler Glasnow this season, and while five others have already logged more than 70 innings, the Dodgers know how fragile starting pitching can be. Would they go all-in to acquire someone like Tarik Skubal? They’re the Dodgers. If the opportunity presented itself, of course they would."
At last season's trade deadline, the Dodgers were relatively quiet but still added several major league depth pieces, acquiring reliever Brock Stewart, outfielder Alex Call, and catcher Ben Rortvedt.
That being said, the Dodgers are also known for blockbuster moves and acquiring elite talent. From Ohtani and Yamamoto to Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, Los Angeles has never hesitated to pursue some of the game's biggest stars.
ALSO SEE:
- MLB Home Run Predictions Today: Best HR Prop Bets for Tuesday, June 30
- NRFI and YRFI MLB Bets Today: Best First Inning Predictions for Tuesday, June 30
Even with catcher Will Smith (neck inflammation) and Enrique Hernandez (significant tear in left oblique) currently sidelined, the Dodgers' offense remains one of baseball's deepest. Adding another quality arm to the starting rotation would only strengthen Los Angeles's chances of capturing a third consecutive World Series title.
It remains to be seen just how aggressive the Dodgers will be in pursuing another starting pitcher ahead of the trade deadline. But if history is any indication, Los Angeles should never be counted out when it comes to making another big move.
