The (mathematically inaccurate) second half is underway and the trade deadline is only 10 days away. Pencils must be down at 6 p.m. ET next Thursday, July 31. Trade chatter and activity will pick up now that the amateur draft is in the rearview mirror and front offices can focus their attention on the deadline.

After vowing to steer clear of splashy midseason moves, the Los Angeles Dodgers are now doing the opposite—aggressively exploring high-leverage

This isn’t your desired momentum, just ten days from the trade deadline. The timing couldn’t be worse, or maybe better, depending on how you look at it. The Dodgers are limping. Their bullpen’s gassed.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have hit a rough patch. While they are still contenders and will likely break out of their slump soon, they could benefit from adding some more pitching.