Cliff Lee Reportedly Claimed off Waivers by L.A. Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly been granted the trade waiver claim for Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cliff Lee, according to FOXSports.com.

The Dodgers will have until Sunday to work out a trade for the three-time All-Star and 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner. If they don't, Lee will remain with the Phillies.

Lee, 33, owns a 3.73 ERA and 1.18 WHIP this season. It's been a down year by his standards, but he's still a valuable pitcher, particularly because he's an effective lefty and a veteran who could help in the playoffs. 

The Phillies have been seeking to unload salary in a disappointing campaign for the reigning National League East champions. They've already gotten rid of Hunter Pence, Shane Victorino, Jim Thome and Chad Qualls, and they traded starting pitcher Joe Blanton to the Dodgers on Friday.

The Dodgers made a lot of headway before the non-waiver trade deadline on July 31. Aside from acquiring Blanton on Friday, they also landed Victorino, Hanley Ramirez and Seattle Mariners closer Brandon League. To say they've been active lately would be an understatement.

The Dodgers are currently a half game behind the rival San Francisco Giants in the National League West. There's no question that new principal owner Mark Walter is determined to field a contending club for years to come. With the latest additions, the Dodgers—who swept the Giants in San Francisco from July 27-29—are a dangerous club in the NL West and beyond. If they land Lee, they are going to be scary on both sides of the ball.

Lee is owed $95 million between now and 2015, his final guaranteed year.