The Los Angeles Dodgers made a significant move at the MLB trade deadline by acquiring Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty. Flaherty is expected to bolster the Dodgers’ defense, though his history of back injury has raised some concerns among fans and analysts. Flaherty has addressed these worries, stating he’s in good health.
“I’ve felt great since the break, or even right before that. I’m ready to pitch and eager to get back on the mound,” Flaherty said in response to questions about his injury, as reported by Matthew Moreno.
Despite struggles in early July, Flaherty is improving. In 18 appearances with the Tigers in 2024, he has recorded 133 strikeouts, ranking him 15th in the league. Additionally, he has a 7-5 record, a 2.95 ERA, and a 0.96 WHIP.
The Tigers, currently at 52-57, have not met their season expectations and decided that trading Flaherty was their best option. Now, Flaherty aims to help the Dodgers maintain their lead in the National League West.
Dodgers pushing forward after MLB trade deadline:
Los Angeles, with a 63-46 record, leads the NL West, four wins ahead of the San Diego Padres, who have won 9 of their last 10 games. The Dodgers need to keep their momentum to secure their position in the division.
Once recovered from his injury, Jack Flaherty should strengthen the Dodgers’ pitching staff. Los Angeles wasn’t the only team interested in him; the New York Yankees also pursued Flaherty but couldn’t secure a trade. Fans and analysts speculated that Flaherty’s injury might have been the reason, but Yankees GM Brian Cashman clarified the situation:
“The Yankees were heavily engaged with the Tigers and ‘would have been happy’ to add Jack Flaherty,” Cashman said. “We failed because we couldn’t match up on value,” Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reported on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Despite the concerns about his injury, the Dodgers acquired Flaherty for a reason. They believe he can help the team continue its forward momentum. It will be interesting to see how the 28-year-old pitcher and the Dodgers perform in the second half of the season.
