Dodgers pick up Dozier, Axford
The NL West-leading Dodgers kept revamping their infield, getting power-hitting second baseman Brian Dozier from the Twins for infielder Logan Forsythe and two minor-leaguers before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
Dozier will join a Dodgers team that’s in a tight race with the Diamondbacks, aiming for a return trip to the World Series. The Dodgers went all in by acquiring Orioles shortstop Manny Machado during the All-Star break for five prospects.
The Dodgers also bolstered their bullpen by acquiring right- handed pitcher John Axford from the Blue Jays for a minorleaguer. Axford, a former closer with 144 career saves, is 4-1 with a 4.41 ERA in 45 games this season.
Dozier is hitting .224 with 16 home runs and 52 RBIs. He is hitting .248 in his career with 167 homers.
The Diamondbacks added two bullpen arms in right-hander Brad Ziegler from the Marlins and left-hander Jake Diekman from the Rangers.
The Pirates, whose recent winning streak put them back into contention, acquired righthanded starter Chris Archer, a two-time All-Star, from the Rays for a pair of coveted prospects in outfielder Austin Meadows and right-hander Tyler Glasnow.
A few days after acquiring starter Cole Hamels, the Cubs got right-handed reliever Brandon Kintzler from the Nationals.
The Brewers, who are hot on the Cubs’ tail in the NL Central, picked up second baseman Jonathan Schoop in a trade with the Orioles for infielder Jonathan Villar and two prospects.
The Braves acquired righthanded starter Kevin Gausman and righty reliever Darren O’Day from the Orioles while the Phillies got left-hander Aaron Loup from the Blue Jays.