The Los Angeles Dodgers have a lot to be happy with this season but their latest loss demonstrated a clear weakness.
After enjoying a strong start from Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers ultimately blew their lead against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday as relievers Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia combined to give up five runs in the eighth inning.
With several starting and bullpen arms on the injured list, the Dodgers have been heavily reliant on their relievers, and Scott in particular has disappointed. After an All-Star campaign last year, he joined the Dodgers on a $72 million deal and has a concerning 4.62 ERA across 26 games so far.
"That was Scott's fifth blown save already this season, the third in his past five appearances," Bill Plunkett wrote for The Orange County Register. "Scott had a total of six blown saves in 34 save opportunities with the Miami Marlins and (San Diego) Padres."
And as Scott implodes on the mound with just a few weeks until the trade deadline, the Dodgers might be running out of time for him to figure it out. As a result, they could turn to a trade proposal from Garrett Kerman that would bring in Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran in exchange for Josue De Paula, Nick Frasso and Landon Knack.
"For the Dodgers, Duran would give them a dominant weapon to pair with Evan Phillips and Brusdal Graterol, solidifying the back end of their bullpen for both the stretch run and multiple playoff runs to come," Kerman wrote. "The cost is significant, but the Dodgers' depth allows them to make such a move without mortgaging their future."
Parting with De Paula in particular would be tough, but Duran has two more years of arbitration eligibility ahead and could be a key reinforcement for the Dodgers' bullpen during Scott's entire contract tenure. He's earned at least 23 saves in both of the last two seasons with a career ERA of 2.40. So far this season he has nine saves with a stellar 1.07 ERA.
As Scott proves to be a disappointment for the Dodgers so far, the team might have to swing a trade like this to bring in a true championship closer.
