As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Dodgers' bullpen needs for reinforcement have become clearer.

The Dodgers strive every year to avoid trades in July, yet they always reveal their need for reinforcements right before the deadline, and this year is no exception.

"The cost of deadline trades is typically high, which is the main reason we tried to avoid needing reinforcements during the offseason," said General Manager Brandon Gomes before the team lost 7-10 to the Twins today. "The developments in the coming days will determine our direction, but our stance on reinforcements remains unchanged."

With only nine days left until the July 31 trade deadline, the Dodgers' bullpen deficiencies have become evident after actual closer Tanner Scott was placed on the 15-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation. He became the fifth key player on the team to enter the injured list, joining Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, Brusdar Graterol, and Evan Phillips, who is out for the season due to Tommy John surgery.

Today, another reliever was lost in the sixth inning: rookie right-hander Ben Casparius struggled with control, issuing a walk that led to a run, and left the game holding the back of his right thigh after completing his last pitch, accompanied by a trainer.

Casparius hopes it is just a "severe" calf cramp, but he will undergo an MRI on Wednesday. Although his performance has significantly dropped compared to the first two months of the season, any additional injuries to pitchers could be a severe blow.

The Dodgers lead the majors in bullpen innings pitched, yet their earned run average of 4.41 ranks 24th. As reigning champions, they already needed to upgrade their bullpen, and recent injuries have only highlighted the urgency of this need.

"Using 'intensified' to describe the current need is quite fitting," admitted manager Dave Roberts. "With key players' statuses uncertain, if we need to trade for reinforcements, the team will certainly take action."

Treinen is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list before the deadline, but the Dodgers still need to add a reliable right-handed pitcher to handle the late innings. "It is a known requirement to acquire pitchers who can face right-handed hitters," Roberts made clear.

Another potential need is to strengthen the lineup. Since Max Muncy went on the 10-day injured list with a left knee bone bruise three weeks ago, the team's offensive index has dropped to only 0.639.

Muncy's recovery is progressing faster than expected, and the team believes that struggling hitters will return to their career averages—including Mookie Betts, who has been moved to the leadoff spot for a breakthrough, and Freddie Freeman, who is adjusting his swing.

"The talent of our hitters is undeniable, but it's rare for the entire group to struggle like this," Gomes analyzed. "Poor execution of tactics has led to a string of losses, but the players are still fighting—similar to a phase we experienced last year."

Roberts added, "The resurgence of struggling hitters is essentially equivalent to bringing in four or five new players; we are betting on their return to form."

Most members of the Dodgers' bullpen lack the stable performance of position players, so experienced Major League pitchers are needed to provide support. With Scott expected to return this season, the team prefers to seek short-term rentals rather than costly long-term contracts for pitchers.

Even so, the Dodgers remain confident in their current roster. "If we stay healthy, this roster is indeed stronger than last year," Gomes emphasized. "Although there is still time until the sprint phase, the current talent of our pitchers makes me feel optimistic."