Dodgers talking to Marlins about relief help
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Dodgers relievers Tony Cingrani, Pedro Báez and Josh Fields all have been placed on the disabled list over the past month, creating uncertainty in the bridge to closer Kenley Jansen.
The Dodgers are expected to acquire at least one reliever between now and the non-waiver Trade Deadline on July 31, and sources say they've had preliminary dialogue with the Marlins about their power arms, including Kyle Barraclough, Adam Conley, and Drew Steckenrider.
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No trade is close, sources say, but the fit is undeniable: Few sellers can compare with the Marlins' volume of effective, controllable relievers.
Barraclough and Conley, both 28, will receive raises via salary arbitration next year, and they are due to become free agents after the 2021 season. Barraclough's 0.99 ERA is the Majors' third lowest among pitchers with at least 35 innings this season. Conley has been dominant since becoming a full-time reliever, with an 0.81 WHIP in 17 games.
Steckenrider, 27, is in his first full Major League season, so the Marlins have relatively little incentive to trade him. Steckenrider entered Sunday with a streak of 18 consecutive scoreless appearances, during which he has permitted a slash line of .137/.214/.176.
The Marlins also are willing to move position players and have received interest in first baseman Justin Bour and outfielder/infielder Derek Dietrich, in addition to coveted catcher J.T. Realmuto.