Dodgers trade reliever to Red Sox in what could be start of bullpen revamp

Just two teams conducting business to swap a couple of underwhelming bullpen arms. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox love when their players trade places, even in the least impactful manner.

On Thursday, the Dodgers traded right-handed reliever Tayler Scott to the Red Sox in exchange for cash. Scott was designated for assignment over the weekend to make room for Bryan Hudson as LA was looking to change things up with the pitching staff.

Emmet Sheehan made his MLB debut, Hudson was added to the 40-man roster, and former Red Sox reliever Ryan Brasier was added to the active roster since.

Initially, it was believed the Dodgers were going to get nothing for Scott, who got absolutely shelled in his final four appearances with the team. The former Padre has a 10.75 ERA and 2.24 WHIP in just 27 career games dating back to 2019.

But there's always a buyer, it would seem, and the Red Sox were willing to surrender cash for the 31-year-old as they endure bullpen issues of their own (their corresponding move was transferring John Schreiber to the 60-day IL).

Dodgers trade reliever Tayler Scott to Red Sox for cash

Back in January, the Dodgers signed Scott to a minor-league deal with hopes of him providing some depth because of all the question marks in their bullpen, particularly with unresolved injury issues. Admittedly, Scott had been good at Triple-A Oklahoma City in the Pacific Coast League, which is a hitter's haven.

He logged a 1.37 ERA and 1.17 WHIP with 25 strikeouts in 19.2 innings of work there, but was unable to translate it to the MLB level in his short time with the Dodgers (6 games, 6 innings, 6 earned runs on 6 hits, 6 walks and a hit batter).

It's unclear if the Dodgers' tinkering will work, but the bullpen did just log a shutout against the Angels on Wednesday, something fans didn't know was even possible in their wildest dreams. Scott was never expected to be an integral arm, but it's probably best the Dodgers keep shuffling the deck, introducing top prospects and other veterans in an attempt to get things to click before the trade deadline.

We wouldn't call this heavy lifting, but it's clear the Dodgers are doing all they can to see where they're at in preparation for bigger decisions that might eventually need to be made.