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The Dodgers and Rays are discussing a trade involving Rays right-hander Erasmo Ramirez, according to a report from Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com. Los Angeles is looking at Ramirez as a possible stopgap option for its rotation.
Los Angeles has dealt with more than its share of rotation injuries this winter, with Clayton Kershaw dealing with back issues and Brandon McCarthy, Hyun-jin Ryu and Alex Wood currently on the disabled list. The Dodgers have turned to Nick Tepesch and rookie Brock Stewart as spot start options, though appear to be looking for a more reliable major-league option on the trade market.
Tampa Bay is known to be looking to move some of its pitchers, with Jake Odorizzi and Matt Moore joining Ramirez on the trading block. The Rays currently sit 13.5 games back in the AL East, and are expected to be significant sellers in this summer’s trade market.
Ramirez, 26, has made only one start for Tampa Bay this season, appearing as a reliever in 30 of his 31 appearances. He posted a solid season as a starter last season, posting an 11-6 record and a 3.51 ERA in 151.1 innings. Despite Ramirez’s switch to the bullpen this season, Rosenthal reports that the Dodgers are comfortable with him as a rotation option, believing that he could go 4-5 innings immediately.