Dodgers' bullpen injuries complicate trade needs

Club waiting to see who can return from DL prior to Deadline

July 13th, 2018

SAN DIEGO -- Aside from daily rumors of interest in Manny Machado, the Dodgers also need to fix the bullpen by the Trade Deadline at the end of the month.
Left-handed reliever is expected to arrive on Friday after being claimed off waivers from the Rockies in what will be a tryout to determine whether he's a fit. But the club is also eagerly awaiting the return of a handful of injured relievers who are currently rehabbing at Camelback Ranch.
When Spring Training opened there, , Tony Cingrani, Josh Fields, Tom Koehler, and all figured to be part of the solution. Today, they're all on the disabled list.
Roberts reiterated on Thursday that Baez (right biceps tendinitis) will return shortly after the All-Star break.
"These guys have got to be healthy," said Roberts. "They all want to pitch, but you can't push them. Obviously, they're not healthy enough to pitch.
"Pedro is closest, shortly after the break. Tony, the same thing, and Josh. Our expectation is sometime after the break we can get them pitching and see how it looks and have a better chance to make a decision at the Deadline."
Koehler hasn't pitched since Spring Training. Garcia's forearm is sore two years after Tommy John surgery. Liberatore is on the Triple-A DL with a rib cage strain.

The current Dodgers bullpen has five pitchers who were not on the Opening Day roster (, Pat Venditte, , and Caleb Ferguson).
At last year's Trade Deadline, the Dodgers acquired relievers Cingrani and Tony Watson.
Roberts, Hinch going to White House
Managers of the All-Star Game presented by Mastercard (and close friends) Roberts and AJ Hinch will be joined by their families in a tour of the White House next week.