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13 hours ago
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The Los Angeles Dodgers are tied with the New York Mets for the third-best record in the National League and have a four-game lead in the NL West over the San Diego Padres.
They have struggled a little bit as of late, but still are among the top teams in the Senior Circuit. The trade deadline is going to be pivotal for them.
Despite their success, they have a glaring weakness in their bullpen, as Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates have struggled this season. That is an area they could look to improve.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report listed his Top 10 trade candidates with two days to go until the deadline. Among them was St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, and the Dodgers were listed as a fit.
"He went through a rough patch in early June, blowing saves in three consecutive appearances. Since then, though, he has reeled it back in and should be a top target for bullpen shoppers the likes of the Phillies, Dodgers, Rangers and Tigers," Miller wrote.
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Helsley is 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA this season in 36 appearances and he has recorded 21 saves. Last year, he set a Cardinals franchise record with 49 saves.
That was enough for him to be named the National League Reliever of the Year. The Cardinals will certainly have a high asking price for the veteran right-hander.
However, the Dodgers have a very deep farm system and could pull off a potential deal for the two-time All-Star. Having him at the back end of games could certainly settle things down for a bullpen that has struggled a bit.
The Dodgers will be buyers at Thursday's deadline, while the Cardinals are selling and falling out of contention. Los Angeles will likely be very aggressive in their pursuit of defending their World Series title.
We'll see if Helsley ends up in L.A.
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