Dodgers being deprived of look at potential trade target vs Rangers is a shame

Fresh off a three-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Los Angeles Dodgers are returning home to host the Texas Rangers for a weekend series.

Do we have much analysis from the domination of the Pirates? No, not really. It was expected.

Now the road trip is over. We just hope Tony Gonsolin can get back on track a bit faster.

But as for the upcoming series, fans were expected to get a look at some potential trade candidates ahead of the deadline.

Unfortunately, the Dodgers will be deprived of seeing one key player, whom the Rangers just placed on the injured list.

Come ON.

The Dodgers won’t see Ian Kennedy in the series against the Rangers.

If LA has had one glaring issue in 2021 aside from injuries, it’s been their bullpen, which, while also affected by injuries, has still shown a lot of cracks outside of Kenley Jansen, Blake Treinen (though we’d like his WHIP to be lower), Victor Gonzalez and Jimmy Nelson.

Phil Bickford’s seven-game cameo has been really good, too, but is that a guy the Dodgers will rely upon come the playoffs? The rest of the relievers just aren’t good enough or trustworthy. That’s why it would have been helpful to see Ian Kennedy, who has a 2.53 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 12 saves and 25 strikeouts in 21.1 innings of work this year for the struggling Rangers.

Texas is no doubt going to sell him at the deadline, too, since they’re sputtering out of contention. What a wasted opportunity.

At least LA could get a worthwhile look at another player. Joey Gallo, though not an immediate need for the Dodgers, could be a slugger the front office might consider.

Why? He’s a lefty slugger with insane power and walks a ton. Additionally, he can effectively play first base as well as all three outfield spots, which would help manager Dave Roberts with his lineup flexibility based on the opposition. The Dodgers love to move players around and/or give guys days off when needed. Gallo filling in as a hybrid part-timer/starter for Los Angeles would further change the complexion of this lineup.

And you know what’s crazy? Gallo has creamed left-handed pitching in 2021. He’s slashing .262/.392/.548 with seven homers and 14 RBI. The Dodgers’ lefty hitters are slashing just .215/.322/.341 with eight homers and 29 RBI. For good measure, Gallo will get a crack at Clayton Kershaw on Friday night.

While missing out on Kennedy sure is a bummer because he’d fill a much more immediate need, Gallo could be a target that would provide the Dodgers with an embarrassment of riches on offense and defense … if it’s something they’re willing to consider.

Dodgers: 3 trades candidates that can be had before July 1

With the Dodgers expected to be active ahead of the trade deadline, here are three candidates who can be had before July 1.