Dodgers: 3 rival trade scenarios that would be nightmares for LAD

2. Richard Rodriguez to the Giants

At this point in the campaign, it’s obvious the Giants are here to stay. They’re also giving off the vibes of a team of destiny and we hate every second of it.

Before the season, analysts projected San Francisco as a team that would be selling off its valuable veterans for prospects at the deadline. With the Giants proving every doubter wrong, however, you better believe they’re looking for ways to fortify their playoff push.

While they don’t have many needs in their rotation — Johnny Cueto has the highest ERA of the group at 4.11 — San Fran is likely looking to bolster its bullpen. If they were to acquire Pirates closer Richard Rodriguez, Dodgers fans would have our permission to panic.

It’s worth noting Rodriguez hasn’t looked as dominant since MLB’s crackdown of foreign substances, but he was bound to come back down to earth after not allowing a run over his first 12 outings and allowing just six earned runs total through the month of June.

We’re still talking about one of the most consistent closers in the game. While Jake McGee and Tyler Rogers, who’ve combined for 30 saves, have done an excellent job sharing the closer role, the Giants netting Rodriguez would further anchor the back end of their bullpen.

That trade would sting even worse now that they just took three of four from LA.