The recent Major League Baseball trade deadline was marked by a whirlwind of activity, with one of the standout transactions involving Jack Flaherty's move to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Initially, Flaherty appeared to be heading to the New York Yankees, who had reached a preliminary agreement with the Detroit Tigers. However, the deal fell through after the Yankees reviewed Flaherty's medical records and decided to back out.
Yankees' Concerns Over Health
Flaherty's health history was a significant factor in the Yankees’ decision. The right-hander has had shoulder issues in 2021 and 2022, and more recently, a lower back problem that caused him to miss a start in early July. He required two injections to manage the issue. This medical background brought back memories for the Yankees of a similar situation with Frankie Montas. Montas, who was acquired by the Yankees two years ago after missing starts due to shoulder inflammation, ultimately underwent surgery the following spring and missed nearly the entire season. This history likely influenced the Yankees’ choice to withdraw from the Flaherty deal.
Dodgers Step In
Upon the Yankees’ retreat, the Dodgers swiftly moved in to acquire Flaherty from the Tigers. The deal saw the Dodgers sending catcher/first base prospect Thayron Liranzo and shortstop prospect Trey Sweeney to Detroit in exchange for the right-hander. The decision to bring Flaherty into the fold is part of the Dodgers' broader strategy to strengthen their pitching rotation as they gear up for a deep postseason run.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that Flaherty will make his first start for the team this weekend against the Oakland Athletics. This immediate integration into the lineup underscores the confidence the Dodgers have in Flaherty's ability to contribute right away.
Impressive Performance Despite Health Issues
Despite Flaherty's recent health challenges, he has been effective on the mound. This season, he made 18 starts for the Tigers, posting a 2.95 ERA with 33 strikeouts over 106 2/3 innings. His performance in the most recent outings was particularly notable, recording a 2.08 ERA and a .560 opponent's OPS in his last seven innings. The Tigers had scratched Flaherty from a scheduled Monday start to preserve his trade value as negotiations with the Dodgers intensified.
The Dodgers are hoping that Flaherty can maintain his form and stay healthy, becoming a key part of their rotation. The trade is undoubtedly a calculated risk, but one that the Dodgers believe is worth taking. The decision reflects their confidence in Flaherty's abilities and their commitment to bolstering their roster for a postseason push.
Challenges Ahead
While the Dodgers are optimistic, the risk associated with Flaherty’s health cannot be ignored. The Yankees’ withdrawal due to medical concerns certainly raises questions. However, Tigers president Scott Harris offered no specific commentary on the matter. "I can't comment on medical stuff with trades as a general point. And if medical stuff did affect any of the trades, that's not on our end," Harris stated. "You can't ask me about that because we're not the one trading for Jack, so not commenting on any of that stuff because I can't."
With Flaherty's debut for the Dodgers on the horizon, all eyes will be on his performance and durability. If he can stay healthy and consistent, he could be a game-changer for the Dodgers as they aim for another championship. Only time will tell if this calculated risk will pay off for Los Angeles.