Dodgers Target Zack Littell to Address Pitching Crisis

The Dodgers are actively seeking to enhance their pitching lineup.

News Summary

The Los Angeles Dodgers are exploring the acquisition of Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Zack Littell as they grapple with a severe pitching crisis. With 13 pitchers on the injured list and having used 33 different pitchers this season, the Dodgers seek depth before the trade deadline. Littell, currently boasting a 3.88 ERA, could be a reliable addition despite leading the league in home runs allowed. Alongside Littell, the Dodgers are also considering Andrew Heaney to bolster their rotation for postseason success amid recovery optimism for injured players.

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Dodgers are eyeing Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Zack Littell as a potential acquisition ahead of the upcoming trade deadline, according to MLB insider Mark Feinsand. This consideration arises amidst a significant pitching crisis for the Dodgers, who currently have 13 pitchers on the injured list.

Despite their pitching woes, the Dodgers are performing notably well in the National League West, leading by 4.5 games over the second-place San Francisco Giants. However, the club has already utilized 33 different pitchers this season, the highest total in Major League Baseball. In light of these circumstances, the need for additional pitching depth is critical.

While Shohei Ohtani has returned to the mound recently, the Dodgers are in search of more reliable replacements. Zack Littell, in his third season with the Rays after joining from the San Francisco Giants in 2023, could fit that bill. With an earned run average (ERA) of 3.88, Littell has maintained a solid performance throughout the season, keeping his ERA consistently below 4.00.

Moreover, Littell is impressively leading the league with a walk rate of 1.1 walks per nine innings and is boasting a career-low WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) of 1.112 this season. However, his performance has been marred by a concerning statistic: he has allowed 22 home runs this season, the highest in the league. His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) stands at 5.32, indicating that he has faced challenges that may not be fully reflected in his ERA.

The urgency for the Dodgers intensified when they moved pitcher Roki Sasaki to the 60-day injured list on June 20. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has conveyed a cautious approach to trades, emphasizing the importance of adhering to planned timelines for the return of injured pitchers. Even so, optimism remains regarding their recovery progress.

In addition to Littell, the Dodgers are also considering Andrew Heaney, currently with the Pittsburgh Pirates, as another option for bolstering their starting pitching. Heaney holds a 3.94 ERA for the season, but like the Dodgers’ current pitchers, he has a history of injuries. As the trade deadline approaches, dealing with their pitching challenges effectively will be crucial for the Dodgers’ postseason ambitions.

Experts suggest that the Dodgers possess enough top prospects to explore stronger trade options, highlighting their potential to enhance their pitching staff significantly. Given their current standing and the collective injuries to their pitching lineup, any acquisition could have a profound impact on the team’s performance as they aim for sustained success into the postseason.

The Dodgers continue to navigate this difficult period, relying on their offense and resilience while simultaneously seeking solutions to their pitching crisis. As the trade deadline draws near, all eyes will be on how they choose to fortify their roster, particularly in terms of pitching, an area that is increasingly critical for their championship aspirations.