How Edman, Kopech, Rosario fit with Dodgers
Juan Toribio
@juanctoribioThis story was excerpted from Juan Toribio¡¯s Dodgers Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
SAN DIEGO -- The Dodgers were expected to be one of the busiest teams before Tuesday¡¯s 3 p.m. PT Trade Deadline. Los Angeles has been searching for top-end talent that can make a significant impact in the postseason.
The Dodgers have also been looking for quality depth pieces to help them get through the rest of the season. On Monday, they made a pair of moves to upgrade the roster, completing a three-team trade with the Cardinals and White Sox to land utility man Tommy Edman and right-hander Michael Kopech.
In a separate trade, the Dodgers acquired infielder/outfielder Amed Rosario from the Rays, marking the second consecutive year they landed Rosario before the Deadline. Let's take a look at how the three newcomers fit on the roster.
Tommy Edman
Edman won¡¯t be on the Dodgers' active roster for at least a couple more weeks, given he was on a rehab assignment with the Cardinals in his comeback from his October right wrist surgery and a sprained ankle.
When he returns, however, Edman will play a significant role for the Dodgers. The majority of his playing time is expected to come in center field, which would move Andy Pages to right field -- where he would platoon with Jason Heyward.
In the event that the Dodgers need some help in the infield, Edman has the ability to play shortstop (1,140 2/3 career innings), second base (2,277) and third base (570). With Max Muncy's status for the remainder of the season uncertain (60-day IL, right oblique strain), Edman's versatility could prove key to the Dodgers.
Offensively, Edman gives Los Angeles added production in the bottom of the order, an area of weakness for the team this season (.657 OPS from Nos. 7-9 spots). The Dodgers have pursued Edman for a couple of seasons. They finally got their man on Monday.
Michael Kopech
With injuries and inconsistencies in the rotation, the Dodgers have heavily leaned on their bullpen. That, of course, has tired out a couple of their relief arms, and reinforcements were badly needed.
Kopech has a 4.74 ERA in 43 2/3 innings over 43 appearances this season, but his stuff is undeniable. The 28-year-old right-hander possesses a four-seam fastball that touches triple digits and is averaging 98.6 mph this season, along with a couple of breaking pitches to play off of it. This is Kopech¡¯s first season as a full-time reliever, and the Dodgers believe inserting him into a playoff race will bring the best out of him.
As far as his role, Kopech will fit in as a middle reliever with Los Angeles. With Evan Phillips going through significant struggles (11.74 ERA in 10 July appearances) and some concern with Alex Vesia's decrease in velocity in his appearance on Sunday, the Dodgers needed another bullpen arm.
Amed Rosario
Of the three players acquired on Monday, Rosario was the most surprising. The 28-year-old has had a good season with the Rays (.307/.331/.417 in 76 games), and he has been solid against left-handed pitching throughout his career (.804 OPS).
Rosario can play both middle infield spots, giving the Dodgers additional flexibility -- especially while they wait for Mookie Betts (fractured left hand) and Miguel Rojas (right forearm tightness) to return from the IL. Bringing Rosario back isn't a flashy move, but it is one the Dodgers believe upgrades their depth and can maximize potential matchups off the bench.