Although the Los Angeles Dodgers have a clear need for reinforcement in the bullpen, their activity thus far before the 1 p.m. PT deadline has squarely focused on the position-player side.
Last week, the Dodgers acquired first baseman Tyler White from the Houston Astros. On Monday, they traded for Kristopher Negrón in a deal with the Seattle Mariners.
In their first trade on deadline day, the Dodgers appear to have reached an agreement to acquire Jedd Gyorko from the St. Louis Cardinals. Although Gyorko himself is on the 60-day injured list, he in some sense is insurance while David Freese, Kiké Hernandez and Chris Taylor deal with injuries.
As a potential deal for a relief pitcher figures to loom, the Dodgers have traded Rocky Gale to the Tampa Bay Rays, according to Robert Murray of The Athletic:
#Rays acquiring Rocky Gale from #Dodgers in exchange for cash considerations, sources tell The Athletic.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) July 31, 2019
Gale was removed from the Dodgers’ 40-man roster earlier this month and sent outright to Double-A Tulsa. He started in just four games for the Drillers prior to the trade, going 3-for-14.
The need for Gale at Oklahoma City became non-existent with the emergence of Will Smith and Keibert Ruiz. Upon Smith earning another promotion to the Majors, the Dodgers optioned Austin Barnes to OKC, making Gale all the more expendable.
Gale twice joined the Dodgers this season, though only appeared in five games (four starts). He additionally spent time up with the club last year, but played in a mere three games.
This is the second trade between the Dodgers and Rays that involves a catcher, as Travis d’Arnaud was dealt to Tampa Bay in May. d’Arnaud struggled with the Mets and was hardly with the Dodgers, but has found success playing for the Rays.
