Report: Dodgers discussed packaging Yasiel Puig, Brandon McCarthy for Ryan Braun. Update.

Yasiel Puig

Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig was claimed on revocable trade waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers in the final days before the Aug. 31 deadline. (Getty Images)

How close were the Dodgers to trading Yasiel Puig in August?

Maybe closer than it seemed at first.

According to a report on MLB.com, the Dodgers and Brewers discussed a trade that would have sent Puig to Milwaukee up until the final minute of the Aug. 31 deadline.

Continue reading “Report: Dodgers discussed packaging Yasiel Puig, Brandon McCarthy for Ryan Braun. Update.” »

Game 81: Dodgers’ offense steps up in support of battered rotation.

Pitcher Kenta Maeda benefited from three home runs in the Dodgers’ 8-1 rout of the Milwaukee Brewers. The box score is here.

The Dodgers acquired pitcher Bud Norris from the Atlanta Braves to take Clayton Kershaw‘s spot in the starting rotation.

Game 80: Brock Stewart’s debut is undone early.

Brock Stewart‘s rapid ascent to the Dodgers’ rotation went better than expected Wednesday — save the second inning, when the Milwaukee Brewers tagged Stewart for five runs in a 7-0 win. The box score is here.

Clayton Kershaw received an epidural injection in his back and was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

Game 79: As Julio Urias’ first win arrives in Milwaukee, Clayton Kershaw departs for L.A.

Julio Urias‘ first major league win finally arrived Tuesday in Milwaukee, sealed by an impressive Joc Pederson catch in the eighth inning. The box score is here.

Clayton Kershaw flew to Los Angeles to have his back examined.

Dodgers designate Nick Tepesch for assignment, leaving Wednesday’s starter TBD.

Nick Tepesch

Nick Tepesch meets with Yasmani Grandal during the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 8-6 win over the Dodgers on Friday. Tepesch was designated for assignment Saturday. (Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH — In today’s episode of “As The Fifth Starter Turns,” the Dodgers designated Nick Tepesch for assignment, one day after the right-hander allowed five runs in four innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Dodgers lost 8-6, ending their six game winning streak.

Infielder Chris Taylor was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move. Taylor, who was acquired from the Seattle Mariners last week in exchange for pitcher Zach Lee, is in uniform today (wearing number 3). We’ll have more from him later.

For now, the Dodgers’ fifth starter remains a question mark, with the next TBA turn in the rotation looming Wednesday in Milwaukee. It won’t be Hyun-Jin Ryu or Brandon McCarthy, who haven’t built up the requisite arm strength yet in their minor league rehabs, or Carlos Frias, who isn’t eligible to be recalled unless a current pitcher is injured.

Here’s what Dave Roberts said on the topic Saturday:

Continue reading “Dodgers designate Nick Tepesch for assignment, leaving Wednesday’s starter TBD.” »