Los Angeles Dodgers’ Paul Maholm to miss rest of season

The Los Angeles Dodgers currently sit 2.5 games up on the San Francisco Giants in the National League West, but that race may have become a little tighter after injury news leaked regarding Paul Maholm.

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A 10-year veteran, Paul Maholm has been somewhat of a utlity pitcher for the Dodgers this season, pitching both out of the bullpen and in the starting rotation. He’s been rather effective at times, though has been prone to the occasional big inning which has elevated his ERA.

Still, his ability to switch out of the rotation and into the bullpen was a welcome addition for Los Angeles, who will now be without their swingman pitcher for the remainder of the season after it was discovered he has a torn ACL.

During Friday’s game against the Chicago Cubs, Paul Maholm rushed over to cover first base but fell down in the process. It was clear that something serious was wrong, though the team and the pitcher were understandably hoping it was something far less damaging like a hamstring strain.

Sadly that wasn’t the case.

The loss will likely send the Los Angeles Dodgers front office into the trade market, though considering the non-waiver deadline has passed they may find it difficult to make a move while they remain atop the Giants in the standings.

Given San Francisco’s priority, they’re likely to claim any reasonably priced reliever to block such a move and they may not be the only team interested in doing so. Other potential National League playoff teams could attempt to do the same, so they team may have to turn to an internal option.