The Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be in no danger of missing out on the playoffs this year, despite the recent injury to stud outfielder Mookie Betts. They currently hold only a 1/2 game lead over the San Diego Padres in the NL West, but with the expanded playoffs this year, it would be a stunner if Los Angeles missed the postseason all together this fall for the first time since 2012.
If there's one lineup in baseball that can sustain the loss of one of the game's best players -- and a former MVP -- it's the 2022 Dodgers. Unfortunately, the team lost ace Walker Buehler to the injured list recently as well.
Manager Dave Roberts and company may be looking to make a move leading up to the summer trade deadline to help make up for the loss of Betts.
With Mookie out, Dodgers looking to acquire RHH OFer at minimal prospect cost to platoon with Eddy Alvarez in right, source says. Could look for bigger piece in trade later or possibly promote Miguel Vargas, a highly regarded 3B prospect who has 10 homers and an .851 OPS at AAA.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 20, 2022
While Rosenthal didn't mention any names for Los Angeles to target, one possible name that would seem to fit on paper is Ramon Laureano of the Oakland Athletics. Laureano, like Betts, is a plus-defender with speed and pop who bats righthanded.
The A's are clearly in fire sale mode and while the 27-year-old has spent the majority of his career in center field, this year has been a different story. Laureano has manned right field in 29 contests against just 12 in center this year.
If the Dodgers end up taking aim at Oakland's speedster, they may have competition. It was reported last week that the Miami Marlins were "pushing hard" to acquire Laureano.
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