Dodgers Way Quick Hits: Machado, Muncy, Jansen, Stripling

The All-Star festivities are in full swing but there is still plenty of Dodgers news worth talking about.

Despite the All-Star break kicking off with the Futures Game on Sunday and the Home Run Derby on Monday night, the rumors revolving around All-Star shortstop, Manny Machado have taken no breaks in their rampant ways. According to multiple reports, the Orioles are close to a deal and plan to trade Machado in the near future, rather than wait to get closer to the deadline.  The latest rumor  has the Dodgers in the lead as talks head to the finish line. The list of teams has not changed, it has just narrowed, with the Dodgers and Phillies leading the charge and the Phillies being named the favorites at the moment. With the Dodgers still in the mix and the Phillies being willing to part with their top pitching prospect, Los Angeles will really have to step up their game in terms of a return if they have a shot at landing Manny.

Other notes…

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• Giants laughably sign pitcher that Dodgers absolutely own
• Dave Roberts’ quote about Padres in NLDS should motivate Dodgers

• Max Muncy, the best story in baseball this season, put on a show during the Home Run Derby where he was eliminated in the second round of the competition to Bryce Harper, who would later be crowned the victor of the competition. Muncy hit 17 home runs in the first round and 12 in the second, an impressive showing for a player who just a year ago was in Triple-A due to a lack of interest from other major league clubs. Muncy was a former Oakland Athletic but his lack of production ultimately lead to his release and eventual joining of the Dodgers organization. Muncy is currently fourth in the National League in home runs with 22 and he ranks first in the National League in OPS at 1.013. The 27-year old has quickly become a star and has not looked back since achieving that status.

• Although Dave Roberts did not confirm this during the media portion of the All-Star festivities, it is believed the Kenley Jansen, Roberts’ very own closer, will not pitch in the All-Star game. Roberts said prior to the break that Kenley will be getting four days off because he is looking tired on the field. For Jansen to receive that time, he would have to forgo the opportunity to pitch in the Midsummer Classic.

Next: Dodgers: The Three Biggest Surprises of the First Half

• Ross Stripling has enjoyed a phenomenal season in which his name has been catapulted into the headlines with an elite ERA and the newfound ability to strike batters out at will. On the season, Stripling has a 2.08 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, a 188 ERA+, and a 10.2 K9 rate. Stripling also got his first career All-Star nod and he will more than likely get the opportunity to play in the game. Stripling will be a key part of the Dodgers’ second-half especially because of the frequent injuries they have dealt with ad Stripling’s ability to stay healthy.