The latest reports have the front office for the “boys in blue” taking a look at potential help in the lineup and Cincinnati Reds power hitting outfielder Jay Bruce appears to be the target.
These aren’t the first rumors to hit social media regarding the 29-year-old, but they make sense considering Los Angeles needs help at the plate if they want to continue battling for a spot in this years playoffs.
The former first round pick is finally healthy, both with his body and his mind and it shows with a .280 batting average this season and 16 home runs, good numbers for a player that is on a bad team and not getting the support you would think he needs.
Sources: #Reds‘ Bruce a consideration for #Dodgers. Ethier’s return uncertain; Pederson only LHH OFer. Bruce cannot block trade to LAD.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 26, 2016
Bruce came into the league showing his stuff with 21 homers in just over 100 games in his rookie season. The veteran outfielder has continues that trend with 224 career long balls, but a drastic drop in production in 2014 had many believing something was wrong and despite bouncing back in the power department last season, his .226 average had experts concerned, but that now appears to be in the past and with plenty of good baseball ahead, a deal now could enhance his start to the 2016 MLB season.
The problem with the Dodgers is offense as the club is last in the NL West in runs scored and considering they play in the same division as San Diego, it just shows how good the pitching staff has been to keep this franchise in the playoff race, but adding a talent like Bruce would help, especially when Andre Ethier returns from his broken leg and it could be just the move this team needs to make the post season and possibly make a run at winning the World Series.