Dodgers reportedly showing interest in pair of Twins relievers

The Los Angeles Dodgers lost seven consecutive games earlier this month, but they managed to bounce back and win the final two games of the first half.

At 58-39, Los Angeles leads the National League West by 5 1/2 games and owns the best record in the Senior Circuit. They'll likely be very busy at the trade deadline.

Their biggest area of need is in the bullpen. They have dealt with a few injuries, including Evan Phillips.

Bob Nightengale reported that while the Philadelphia Phillies appear to be the favorites for Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax of the Minnesota Twins, the Dodgers are also in the mix.

"The Philadelphia Phillies have been extensively scouting Minnesota Twins relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax of the Minnesota Twins, hoping to acquire at least one of them," Nightengale reported.

"The Twins also are drawing strong interest from the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds."

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Jax is 1-4 with a 3.92 ERA in 44 appearances with the Twins. Duran is 5-4 with a 1.66 ERA and 2.2 WAR in 44 appearances and has saved 15 games.

Both right-handers would be significant additions to the Dodgers bullpen and would give them a great chance to repeat as World Series champions. Having both pitchers alongside Tanner Scott would make Los Angeles a formidable opponent.

The Dodgers have a healthy lead in the NL West over the Padres, but they would be able to potentially put the rest of the division in the rearview mirror if they add some big pieces to their bullpen.

It will be interesting to see where the Dodgers land in their search for bullpen help.

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