The Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching rotation is facing challenges, as ace Blake Snell’s return remains uncertain and new injury concerns have arisen for Tyler Glasnow. Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers maintain a strong 18-10 record, sitting second in the National League West, and still have dependable starters like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dustin May, and Roki Sasaki.
However, extended absences for Snell or Glasnow could push the Dodgers to seek external help through a trade. According to Newsweek’s Zach Pressnell, the Cincinnati Reds could be a potential trade partner. The Reds currently feature Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Martinez in their rotation, with prospect Rhett Lowder nearing a return from the injured list.
Pressnell proposed that Los Angeles could acquire veteran Nick Martinez from Cincinnati. In exchange, the Reds could target a promising outfielder such as James Outman or Dalton Rushing. Pressnell suggested that securing either player would be significant for the Reds, who lack depth in their outfield at the major league level.
If a deal materializes, Martinez would fill a rotation spot for the Dodgers until Snell or Glasnow recovers, after which he could transition into a swingman role. Although the 34-year-old Martinez is a free agent after the season and has struggled with a 5.40 ERA and a modest 20 percent strikeout rate, he showed strong performance with a 141 ERA+ just last season.
Outman, who hit 23 home runs two seasons ago, started this year in Triple-A Oklahoma City. Meanwhile, Rushing, the Dodgers’ No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline, is hitting .294 with an .883 OPS over 19 Triple-A games and appears close to making his MLB debut.
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