Dodgers Way Quick Hits: Closer to Machado, Puig, All-Stars

The Dodgers lost the third and final game of the Freeway Series in Anaheim, going one and two in the first set of games against the Angels. The bullpen’s performance throughout the series was disappointing while the starters got the job done in all three games. The team will travel to San Diego for four games before returning to Chavez Ravine for the remaining three games of the Freeway Series. Here is the rest of the news from July ninth.

The Dodgers have been rumored to land Manny Machado since before the season even began. The fit was questionable before the season, stronger as they began to struggle, and unquestionable once Corey Seager went down for the year. With the trade deadline drawing closer, reports of a trade are becoming more frequent with the most recent coming from Buster Olney of ESPN. Olney shared that according to his sources, teams are “at the 35 yard-line, and driving” towards a potential deal. Along with Olney’s tweet which demonstrated great progress towards a deal, the Dodgers have been named as the strong favorites to land the star shortstop/third baseman although the exact offer is unclear due to multiple rumors. With Chris Taylor really struggling right now, a Machado trade would be huge for Los Angeles who still sits a game out of first place in the West.

Other notes…

More from Dodgers Way

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• Are the Dodgers really prepared to hand Shohei Ohtani a blank check?
• Dodgers fans shouldn’t dismiss interest in Dansby Swanson for this reason
• Giants laughably sign pitcher that Dodgers absolutely own
• Dave Roberts’ quote about Padres in NLDS should motivate Dodgers

• Yasiel Puig was removed from yesterday’s game during his at-bat in the fifth inning. Puig fouled back a 1-1 pitch and immediately dropped his bat and grimace in pain upon completing his swing. Dave Roberts and the training staff came rushing from the dugout where they joined Puig, who was hunched over and grabbing his side, on the field. It was later reported that he had strained his right intercostal oblique muscle and would almost certainly require a stint on the disabled list. Puig spoke about his injury after the game:

"“I have never felt anything like that before. I don’t know how long I’m going to be out. On the second swing I tried to hit that fastball and that is when I feel it” said Puig. “I feel bad because I can’t help my team win right now”"

The team needed Puig right now as he was hitting .348 with two home runs and eight RBIs in his last seven games. Puig’s bat was coming back to life and he may now be sidelined with an injury that typically takes a month to heal.

Next: Dodgers Arizona Rookie League Scouting Reports

• The All-Star selections were announced on Sunday, July ninth and it was revealed that both Matt Kemp and Kenley Jansen made the rosters. Kemp will be a starter. Max Muncy, who is having a great year, made the final vote to take the final roster spot in the NL and you can help him get there by clicking here. Unlike Kemp and Jansen, however, Ross Stripling, who has been the saving grace of the rotation in 2018 and one of the game’s best pitchers this season, was not selected to the team and it was labeled as one of the biggest snubs of the year by many. Stripling can still get in as a replacement but it is highway robbery that the 28-year old is not already in.