Loading up their already loaded pitching staff for a potential run at a second consecutive World Series championship, the Los Angeles Dodgers have announced the acquisition of Royals veteran southpaw Danny Duffy.
In the deal, completed Thursday night, the 32-year old Duffy, a 10-year big league veteran, is being sent to his native southern California. The Royals sent cash to the Dodgers as well, all for a player to be named.
Currently, Duffy is on the 10-day injured list with a strained left flexor, having last pitched on July 16th. For the season, the lefty started strong with a 4-1 record and 0.60 ERA in his first five starts. However, after being bit by the injury bug, Duffy’s numbers have slipped to a 4-3 mark with a still solid 2.51 ERA.
The Dodgers, three games back of the rival Giants in the NL Western Division race, designated outfielder DJ Peters for assignment to make room for Duffy.
Other moves made prior to the trade deadline included the Dodgers making an even bigger splash by acquiring three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer and shortstop Trea Turner from the Washington Nationals, sending a rich haul of minor league talent back to the DC area, with catcher Keibert Ruinz, right-hander Josiah Gray, outfielder Donovan Casey, and right-hander Gerardo Carrillo.
Slugger Kyle Schwarber is part of the Nationals’ fire sale, headed from Washington to Boston. Schwarber spent most of the month of July on the injured list with a hamstring injury. He has hit 25 homers in 72 games for the Nats this season, after being signed as a free agent this offseason.
The Cubs shipped first baseman Anthony Rizzo to the New York Yankees, just hours after the Bronx Bombers, looking for left-handed hitting power to help balance their lineup, acquired Rangers All Star Joey Gallo. As part of the deal for Rizzo, New York is sending minor league pitcher Alexander Vizcaino and outfielder Kevin Alcantara to the Cubs.
