The Dodgers, who currently hold the first National League Wild Card spot but are looking to make a major push to catch the Giants in the NL West, are reportedly considering significant moves in advance of the Aug. 1 non-waiver Trade Deadline, according to ESPN.com.
ESPN.com reported Wednesday that a rival team executive had told him the Dodgers are going "big-game hunting" for impact players, as opposed to seeking out small upgrades via trade.
With ace Clayton Kershaw now out indefinitely due to his lower back pain, that could mean Los Angeles will try to acquire a frontline type of pitcher, such as the Rays' Chris Archer. According to the report, the Dodgers trading for a mid-rotation starter like Tampa Bay's Jake Odorizzi or Drew Smyly would be less likely -- especially since they have money committed to Brandon McCarthy, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Scott Kazmir and Kenta Maeda past this season.

On Monday, MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi reported that the Dodgers and Rays were engaged in trade talks. There is a possibility that those discussions could involve not just pitching but also third baseman Evan Longoria, who is having a resurgent year. Although per Morosi, a trade for Longoria prior to the Deadline seems unlikely.
The Dodgers are within striking distance of the Giants, entering play Wednesday trailing them by 4 1/2 games in the division and with San Francisco having lost its past four games.