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MLB Rumors: Donaldson problem, Dodgers trade grade, Braves-Ohtani

By Mark Powell

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 19: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels looks against the National League during the 92nd MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Dodger Stadium on July 19, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 19: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels looks against the National League during the 92nd MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Dodger Stadium on July 19, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 21: Andre Jackson #44 of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivers a pitch during the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 21, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 21: Andre Jackson #44 of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivers a pitch during the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 21, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

MLB Rumors: Grading the latest Dodgers-Pirates trade

The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to be active at the MLB trade deadline, most likely adding to their starting rotation in a series of roster moves. This is not one of those decisions.

Per FanSided MLB Insider Robert Murray, Los Angeles shipped struggling relief pitcher Andre Jackson to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Jackson was designated for assignment, as Murray reported, so the Dodgers were able to get something for him, even if it’s merely cash considerations. The Pirates hope they can help Jackson return to form, as he’s only 27 years old and had an ERA under three in both of his previous big-league seasons, albeit in limited playing time. Surely, at one point Los Angeles saw something in Jackson. But his 6.64 ERA in 2023 forced their hand.

MLB Trade Rumors highlighted Jackson’s elevated walk rate this season as the source of his struggles, as well as his tendency to give up the long ball:

"“While Jackson had a 2.11 ERA over 21 1/3 innings in 2021-22, things haven’t gone as smoothly this year, as Jackson had a 6.62 ERA in 17 2/3 frames of work.  The long ball has been Jackson’s biggest nemesis, as after giving up just one home run in 2021-22, he has already allowed five homers this season.  It isn’t exactly a new problem for the right-hander, as he has trouble keeping the ball in the park over his three seasons at Triple-A (in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League).”"

A stint in the minors with Pittsburgh could help Jackson reinvent himself. If not, it’s a worthwhile risk for the Pirates considering they gave up no real assets.

Dodgers trade grade: B-

Pirates trade grade: B

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