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Dodgers Targeting Rays' 2.15 ERA Reliever to Bolster Bullpen

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 9:00 AM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers boast the best record in the National League and hold a commanding 4.5-game advantage in the NL West.

That is despite three of their top rotation arms on the injured list and both setup men, Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen, battling ailments of their own.

With 15 pitchers currently on the shelf, Los Angeles is scouring the pitching market for upgrades -- specifically Tampa Bay Rays reliever Pete Fairbanks, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Fairbanks is having a tremendous season for Tampa Bay. In 30 appearances, he has a 2.15 ERA and 26 strikeouts across 29.1 innings. His 13 saves rank ninth in the American League, but Fairbanks’ impressive ability to limit home runs is what separates him from other relievers on the market.

The Dodgers' bullpen has allowed a league-leading 46 home runs. Meanwhile, Fairbanks has allowed zero home runs this season, which would be the lowest home run per nine innings rating in Los Angeles.

“The Dodgers continue to be on the prowl, and Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations, will do everything humanly possible to make sure this team is given every opportunity to become the first NL team to repeat as World Series champions since the 1975-76 Cincinnati Reds,” wrote Nightengale.

The 31-year-old is under contract through the remainder of the 2026 season but has a club option with $7 million for the 2027 season. Having two years of control left will drive the cost for Fairbanks up.

However, with a stacked farm system and a desire to repeat as World Series champions, the Dodgers have plenty of ambition to get a deal done.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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