The Los Angeles Dodgers have, once again, established themselves as the team to beat in MLB.

They own a 61-36 record and have built a commanding 11.5-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West, leaving little doubt about who controls the division.

With another postseason appearance all but expected, the Dodgers remain the favorites to capture another World Series.

Even so, one area still demands attention before the MLB trade deadline.

The starting rotation continues to deal with uncertainty.

Both Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell remain on the Injured List, creating a need for additional depth heading into the second half.

Tarik Skubal has frequently been mentioned as the ideal target.

If the Detroit Tigers decide not to move the reigning Cy Young Award winner, however, the Dodgers could quickly shift their attention elsewhere.

Kerry Miller from Bleacher Report believes Baltimore Orioles left-hander Trevor Rogers would be a logical alternative.

“Rogers went through quite the rough patch from mid-April through the end of May, making seven starts with a 10.01 ERA and a two-week stint on the IL in the middle of that skid,” Miller wrote.

“Temporarily disregard that stretch, though, and instead combine his first three starts, his last six starts and the 18 starts he made last season and Rogers has a 1.81 ERA across those 27 appearances. He could be a real factor for the Dodgers in October, even if both Snell and Glasnow return to stay.”

Overall, Rogers has had a bit of a rough season, he owns a 4.48 ERA in 90.1 innings across 17 starts.

The recent trend, however, tells a different story.

Since the beginning of June, Rogers has posted a 1.75 ERA in 41.2 innings over seven starts while striking out 31 batters.

That represents a dramatic turnaround from his first 10 starts of the season.

During that stretch, he recorded a 6.84 ERA in 48.2 innings.

Miller’s proposed trade would send left-hander Jackson Ferris and outfielder Ryan Ward to Baltimore.

They rank as the Dodgers’ No. 10 and No. 19 prospects, respectively.

For a rental starter, that price could prove reasonable if Los Angeles decides another veteran arm is necessary.

Rogers may not be known for piling up strikeouts, but he has shown he can provide dependable innings when healthy. That versatility would allow the Dodgers to use him as a starter in the postseason or potentially in a long-relief role if needed.

Baltimore also has reasons to consider a move.

With the Orioles slipping out of contention, dealing a pending free agent for quality prospects could help strengthen the organization’s future.

Skubal would likely remain the Dodgers’ preferred option.

Still, if Detroit refuses to move its ace, Rogers represents a realistic alternative capable of providing experienced depth for a team with World Series expectations.

Rogers succeeds by staying unpredictable. He mixes his pitches well, changes speeds confidently, and consistently works to disrupt hitters’ timing rather than overpowering them.

He also understands how to adjust throughout a game, making subtle changes to his approach as lineups see him multiple times.

That feel for pitching has allowed him to remain effective even when he is not relying on strikeouts. His ability to provide quality innings without needing dominant stuff makes him especially valuable for postseason clubs looking to strengthen their depth.

For a Dodgers team preparing for another October run, adding a dependable veteran capable of filling multiple roles could prove just as valuable as landing a headline-grabbing ace.

Don’t miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It’s completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!