As reinforcements return from the Injured List, the Los Angeles Dodgers aim to maximize value for surplus talent. It might mean Eric Lauer and Alex Call could be on the trading block.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to remain involved in the pursuit of Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal should he become available before the MLB Trade Deadline.
At the same time, the organization could also capitalize on its roster depth by moving MLB contributors as several key players approach returns from the Injured List.
Among those nearing activation are Blake Snell, Edwin Díaz, and Kiké Hernández, giving Los Angeles additional flexibility as it evaluates potential trade opportunities.
Starting pitching is consistently one of the most sought-after commodities at the trade deadline, and this year’s market also features a limited supply of right-handed hitters.
That combination could allow the Dodgers to use some of their current depth to address other needs while maximizing the value of players who may no longer have clear roles.
According to Katie Woo from The Athletic, left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer and outfielder Alex Call are two players Los Angeles could make available.
Woo reported that multiple league sources familiar with the Dodgers’ thinking identified both players as potential trade candidates.
“Left-hander Eric Lauer and outfielder Alex Call are two names the Dodgers could shop, according to multiple league sources familiar with the team’s thinking,” Woo wrote.
Lauer’s trade value
Lauer became an important part of the pitching staff during the first half of the season.
After Snell and Tyler Glasnow both suffered injuries during the same week in mid-May, the Dodgers needed someone capable of absorbing innings and helping maintain their six-man rotation.
Los Angeles acquired Lauer for cash considerations after the Toronto Blue Jays designated him for assignment, and the move quickly developed into another successful reclamation project.
Since joining the Dodgers, Lauer has posted a 3.35 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 45.2 innings across eight appearances (seven starts).
Many around MLB believe Los Angeles should keep Lauer because of the value quality pitching depth provides during a postseason run.
However, the Dodgers appear confident in the depth they expect to have available by October.
Snell and Glasnow have missed most of the season and Shohei Ohtani still does not have a timetable for returning to the starting rotation. However, the organization believes its pitching staff could become the deepest in years.
A projected postseason rotation featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Ohtani, Snell, and Glasnow, combined with a bullpen that includes Roki Sasaki, Justin Wrobleski, Díaz, and Tanner Scott, leaves little room for Lauer despite the quality of his performances.
Based on that projected group, Lauer would likely not make the postseason rotation and could also face a difficult path to earning a bullpen role.
Call’s complicated situation
Call finds himself in a similar situation.
With Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernández healthy, along with Hernández expected to be activated from the Injured List on Tuesday, Call’s role on the roster has become increasingly limited.
His market value could still be significant.
Few right-handed bats are expected to be available before the deadline, and while Call is not viewed as a traditional power hitter, his speed and plate discipline make him an attractive depth option for contenders.
Those same qualities helped convince the Dodgers to acquire him at last year’s trade deadline.
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