The Los Angeles Dodgers face an urgent need to reinforce their bullpen following an injury to Tanner Scott during Monday’s game against the Minnesota Twins. Scott’s forearm discomfort is expected to sideline him on the Injured List, intensifying the team’s search for reliable relief arms before the July 31 trade deadline.
After investing over $100 million in bullpen contracts this offseason, Los Angeles has been disappointed by the performance of some relievers. Scott, a key offseason acquisition, has struggled with seven blown saves this year despite a strong 2024 campaign, creating immediate pressure for the Dodgers to pursue alternative options.
Potential Twins Relievers Could Fill Dodgers Bullpen Gap
The Minnesota Twins, currently enduring a poor stretch since mid-June, have relief pitchers who could become targets for Los Angeles. Jhoan Duran has had a standout season with a 1.62 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 44.1 innings. His contract situation—signed through 2025 with two arbitration years remaining—makes him a cost-effective candidate likely to stay under $5 million annually through 2028.
Another viable option is left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe, who is shaping up as a valuable asset with a remarkably low 0.65 ERA over 27.2 innings this year. Coulombe, an 11-year <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB veteran who debuted with the Dodgers in 2014, is on a one-year deal and will become a free agent after the season. His lefty specialization would help the Dodgers manage key matchups, especially in high-leverage situations this October.
Dodgers’ Trade Deadline Strategy Focused on Bullpen Strengthening
Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations for Los Angeles, has clearly prioritized bolstering the bullpen in this trade period. With just over one week remaining before the deadline, the Dodgers are actively exploring trades that could bring in effective relief pitchers without dismantling their core roster.
Among players available to trade, starter Emmett Sheehan, outfielder James Outman, and prospect Alex Freeland have been identified as potential trade assets. The Dodgers may seek deals that do not require significant capital, aiming to address bullpen weaknesses efficiently.
Currently engaged in a series against the Twins, the Dodgers might leverage the opportunity to secure a deal mid-series. Minnesota has already ruled out trading key players Byron Buxton and starter Joe Ryan, but their relievers remain attractive targets to various teams, given the critical importance of bullpen strength as the season approaches its final two months.