Dodgers get Lynn, Kelly in commerce with White Sox

LOS ANGELES — When making choices, the Dodgers have usually mentioned they aren’t afraid in making bets on gamers and their observe information.

Before a 6-5 loss to the Reds on Friday at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers determined to make sizable bets by buying starter Lance Lynn and reliever Joe Kelly from the White Sox, two pitchers who’ve been profitable prior to now, however have had extreme struggles in 2023.

Kelly has a $9.5 million membership choice for the 2024 season and Lynn has a $18 million membership choice. In all probability, these received’t be exercised, making this a two-month rental for each pitchers.

“Lance’s history of logging innings and a lot of the under-the-hood stuff is really strong — high strikeouts, low walks, the batted-ball stuff is, as we know, noisy,” mentioned Dodgers basic supervisor Brandon Gomes. “As for Joe, we know Joe really well. The stuff has been arguably the best it’s ever been. So that and continuing to build out the talent on the pitching staff was important to us.”

After making two strikes to solidify their bench in Kiké Hernández and Amed Rosario, it was solely a matter of time earlier than the Dodgers made a splash on the pitching aspect. Their rotation, particularly since Clayton Kershaw went down with a left shoulder damage final month, has been unstable.

Julio Urías and Tony Gonsolin haven’t carried out like final season. Rookies Bobby Miller — who allowed three runs over 5 innings on Friday — Emmet Sheehan and Michael Grove have proven glimpses, however their studying curve was expedited as a consequence of a plethora of accidents to the beginning rotation early within the season.

Because of these struggles, the Dodgers determined to take a flier on Lynn, who has a capability to no less than log innings in begins. But Lynn’s effectiveness this season has been nowhere near the place it’s been all through a stable profession. Lynn involves the Dodgers with a 6.47 ERA, which is technically nonetheless an improve over the 7.16 ERA that Noah Syndergaard — who’s now with the Guardians — had over the primary three months of the season.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about him as far as the compete, the preparedness,” mentioned Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts. “He’s a guy that takes the baseball. He goes deep into games and, you know, victim of sort of the circumstance. I just feel that getting in this environment, playing meaningful games will bring out the best in him.”

For Lynn, the most important drawback this season has been preserving the ball within the park. He has allowed an MLB-leading 28 homers, and his 130 hits allowed had been essentially the most within the American League. The Dodgers, nevertheless, are banking on “under-the-hood” numbers and a excessive strikeout price to get the veteran right-hander again on observe.

If nothing else, Lynn offers the Dodgers one other Major League starter who can no less than log extra innings than they’ve been getting from their present group.

“That’s why you play the game. To have that opportunity,” Lynn mentioned, when requested about enjoying for a contender. “I’m happy to have the time I had [in Chicago]. But it is a business and sometimes, things happen. I’m just looking forward to making a playoff push.”

As for Kelly, he’ll now enter his second stint with the Dodgers. Kelly does give them one other high quality choice in a bullpen that has been significantly better as of late. Expect Kelly for use in the identical function, as a high-leverage reliever within the center innings.

“I also think that he’s a guy that, when they’re in a winning environment, they thrive,” Roberts mentioned. “And so I know Joe’s happy to be back in Los Angeles.”

With 4 days left earlier than Tuesday’s Trade Deadline, the expectation is the Dodgers will stay aggressive in commerce talks. Whether a deal involves fruition stays to be seen. But Friedman and his associates have made it clear that they received’t be afraid to drag the set off on a swap if it is smart ultimately.

“I think we feel really good about our team and the moves we’ve made,” Gomes mentioned. “We’re always looking to improve. That won’t stop. We’ll take the coming days to assess what’s out there.”