MLB trade deadline rumors: biggest questions ahead
Bob Nightengale breaks down the biggest trade deadline questions as contenders and sellers weigh their next moves.
Editor’s note: Read more about Tarik Skubal being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to assemble the strongest collection of pitchers in MLB.
Tarik Skubal became the latest addition to the Dodgers’ pitching rotation after he was traded by the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, Aug. 1.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner was the No. 1 option for the Tigers and had continued to make his case as the league’s best pitcher.
Skubal was brought to Los Angeles with the intention of helping the Dodgers secure a third consecutive World Series title.
If manager Dave Roberts and the Dodgers can achieve the feat, they would become just the third organization to do so.
Here’s how Skubal will factor into the Dodgers’ starting rotation:
Dodgers’ current rotation with Tarik Skubal
The Dodgers’ current rotation could be considered enough to lead Los Angeles through the playoffs.
Skubal will immediately join a rotation that currently includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Justin Wrobleski, Emmet Sheehan, Rōki Sasaki and Eric Lauer.
Dodgers’ rotation when healthy
The Dodgers are striving to have a completely healthy rotation for the start of the playoffs. Los Angeles’ starting rotation could soon look different with Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow all hoping to make it back later this season.
Pitchers such as Sheehan, Sasaki and Lauer would then be strong options out of the bullpen.
Two-way star Ohtani has not been back on the mound for an official start due to an ongoing knee issue since he was pulled from his scheduled start before the All-Star Game. Another injury came to light earlier this week after Ohtani mentioned during his media availability that he’s dealing with right biceps discomfort.
Snell and Glasnow are expected to participate in minor league rehab assignments later this week. If successful, both pitchers could be back in the rotation later this month.