MLB Rumors: Dodgers Eye Justin Verlander; To Seek New SP If Fail to Trade For Mets SP

The Los Angeles Dodgers have their eyes on a starting pitcher ahead of the trade deadline, with reigning American League Cy Young winner Justin Verlander their primary target.

Per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Dodgers are among the teams looking at Verlander right now even though they have "seemingly discouraged by their chances" because he has a full no-trade clause.

Rosenthal did note if Los Angeles' pursuit of Verlander falls through, the team still figures to make a push for another arm it can add to the rotation for the stretch run.

Verlander's future with the New York Mets has become very cloudy. The team has gone into sell mode leading up to the trade deadline by moving David Robertson to the Miami Marlins and Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers.

The Scherzer trade, in particular, seemed to open up the possibility for Verlander that moving to a new team might be in his best interest.

"When you see that happen," he told reporters on Sunday, "you can't help but think what it says for next year.

Rosenthal cited the Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles being among the other teams talking to the Mets about Verlander, with the Astros potentially his preferred choice because of his history with the franchise and relationship with owner Jim Crane.

The Dodgers desperately need to add more depth to their rotation for the stretch run. They acquired Lance Lynn from the Chicago White Sox on July 29, though his 6.47 ERA in 21 starts this season doesn't exactly inspire a lot of confidence.

Clayton Kershaw, who hasn't appeared in a game since June 27 due to shoulder inflammation, is getting closer to returning after throwing a three-inning simulated game on Saturday.

Even if they get a healthy Kershaw, though, the Dodgers rotation has the second-worst ERA in MLB since the All-Star break (5.96). Tony Gonsolin, Julio Urías, Michael Grove and Bobby Miller all have ERAs over 4.00.

Verlander has been terrific over his past nine starts after a slow start to the season. The three-time AL Cy Young winner has a 1.95 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 55.1 innings over nine appearances since June 14.

The Dodgers (59-45) enter Tuesday with a 2.5 game lead over the San Francisco Giants in the National League West.