The Los Angeles Dodgers made one of the biggest moves of the trade deadline by acquiring Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers, adding one of MLB’s best pitchers to a roster chasing a third consecutive World Series.

Skubal is expected to play a major role in October, but another deadline addition could also become important.

Los Angeles acquired left-hander Kris Bubic from the Kansas City Royals shortly before the deadline.

Bubic is currently on the 60-day Injured List, but he could return in time to help the Dodgers during the postseason.

According to The Orange County Register, manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that Bubic is a legitimate option for October because of his experience as both a starter and reliever.

Roberts also emphasized Bubic’s ability to retire both left-handed and right-handed hitters, while noting that his current stuff has looked encouraging.

He added that if an opportunity develops, the Dodgers would like to evaluate Bubic themselves before making a postseason decision.

“He’s a legitimate name,” Roberts said.

“Proven starter, proven pitcher out of the ‘pen, gets lefties out, righties out. The stuff is playing right now. … I think that if there’s an opportunity that presents itself, us getting eyes on him would be important.”

The 29-year-old spent his entire career with Kansas City before joining Los Angeles.

Bubic has appeared in only four postseason games in his seven years in MLB.

All four came during the 2024 postseason, when he recorded a 1.93 ERA and 1.71 WHIP with three strikeouts in 4.2 innings.

Bubic’s versatility could make him particularly useful for Los Angeles.

Although primarily a starter, he has also worked out of the bullpen during his career.

The California native is recovering from left elbow and shoulder issues.

Bubic began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City last week and struck out two during a perfect inning.

He has since added two more scoreless innings and has yet to surrender a hit during the assignment.

Bubic has been on the Injured List since mid-May and previously had an initial rehab assignment stopped because of left shoulder discomfort.

If healthy by October, he could strengthen a Dodgers bullpen that has been inconsistent.

His first three rehab appearances suggest that possibility is becoming more realistic.

Bubic is 3-2 with a 4.11 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 51 strikeouts in 50.1 innings over nine starts this season.

His most recent appearance came May 14 against the Chicago White Sox.

Last season, Bubic posted a 2.55 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 116.1 innings across 20 starts while earning his first All-Star selection.

He is also scheduled to reach free agency after this season.

Bubic can handle multiple innings, enter in relief or provide length if a starter exits early.

His experience working in different roles should make an October transition easier.

As a left-hander, he also gives Roberts another matchup option without being limited strictly to facing left-handed hitters.

That versatility could matter considerably in short postseason series.

Bubic also brings composure and experience, traits that become increasingly important when every pitching decision carries more weight.

If his health continues trending in the right direction, he could become a useful piece in a pitching staff already loaded with high-end talent.