One waiver trade deadline deal every MLB team should make

With starting second baseman Howie Kendrick on the disabled list, the Dodgers promoted recently acquired prospect Jose Peraza to the big leagues for a short stint while Justin Turner recovered from his own injuries, then sent him back down. However, the Dodgers may still try to acquire a veteran second baseman in August as a backup plan in case Kendrick’s strained left hamstring doesn’t fully heal in time for the playoffs, or if the 21-year old Peraza isn’t quite ready for the Majors.

That obviously makes Utley a possible option, and someone like Aaron Hill would make sense as well. But perhaps the team’s biggest need is another arm for the bullpen.

In the same deal that brought Peraza west, the Dodgers also added left Luis Avilan and veteran right-hander Jim Johnson from the Braves. So far, Johnson has been a disaster. In 4.2 innings across his first five appearances with LA, Johnson has allowed 12 earned runs on 13 hits, three walks, and he also hit a batter. Johnson is sure to improve, but his lack of production so far is less than encouraging. 

Therefore, expect the Dodgers to try and acquire a reliever. Cincinnati has J.J. Hoover and Burke Badenhop, both of whom have compiled ERAs in the 1s and therefore may not pass through waivers. Seattle’s Fernando Rodney could be an option, but like Johnson he has struggled.

Let’s say Los Angeles passes on Rodney and instead goes after Arizona’s David Hernandez. In that case, unless Hill is traded to the Yankees as we mentioned earlier, both could join the club for its playoff push.

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