The reigning Major League Baseball (MLB) champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, have an idea on their minds that has kept them busy in recent weeks: the chance to acquire a superstar pitcher from the American League in their bid to repeat last year’s title.
The Dodgers currently lead their division with a 48-31 record, leading the National League. The Los Angeles team will be an obvious buyer at the trade deadline to bolster their roster and aim for another World Series.
Which player would land with the Los Angeles Dodgers?
ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan recently named Baltimore Orioles closer Felix Bautista as a trade candidate. Bautista is 30 years old and in his third MLB season. The closer had a standout rookie season in 2022, posting a 2.19 ERA, 15 saves, and a WHIP under one.
In 2023, the Orioles closer capitalized on his rookie season and became an All-Star. Bautista lowered his ERA to 1.89, more than doubled his save total to 33, and lowered his WHIP by .011. Unfortunately, in late August 2023, Bautista suffered a torn right ulnar collateral ligament and required Tommy John surgery.
Tommy John Surgery, the Surgery Several Los Angeles Dodgers Players Have Undergone
Thomas Edward John Jr., better known as “Tommy John,” suffered an injury to the medial collateral ligament in his elbow while pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has tried various treatments that failed to improve his injury. It wasn’t until Dr. Jobe opted to use an innovative method popular during World War II: replacing the torn ligament with another expendable ligament in the body.
Approximately 1,247 players have undergone this procedure since the first one in 1974. One of the most notable figures to undergo the procedure was Justin Verlander: he returned in 2022 and received the Cy Young Award that season.
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