Featured Columnist IVJuly 31, 2024
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New Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty will wear No. 0 with the team, according to baseball writer Eric Stephen, making him the first member of the Dodgers with that number since Al Oliver in 1985.
The Dodgers traded a pair of prospects—catcher Thayron Liranzo and infielder Trey Sweeney—to land Flaherty.
Los Angeles Dodgers @Dodgers
Jack Flaherty has arrived. pic.twitter.com/MumaM5FHdl
“Getting an impact starter was a very high priority for us, and Jack is definitely that,” Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes told reporters Tuesday. “His command, his stuff, the swing-and-miss—we feel like that’s a real power option come October.”
He’s a much-needed arm for a rotation that has been beset by injuries this season.
The New York Yankees reportedly had a “preliminary” deal in place to acquire Flaherty but backed out due to medical concerns, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
“I can’t comment on medical stuff with trades as a general point, and if medical stuff did affect any of the trades, that’s not on our end,” Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris told reporters. “You can’t ask me about that because we’re not the one trading for Jack, so not commenting on any of that stuff because I can’t.”
The Dodgers clearly didn’t share those concerns, and will be hoping their new No. 0 will be just as sparse with his hits and runs allowed as he is with his new number.
