The Dodgers are no strangers to the August 31st deadline. Acquiring Curtis Granderson last season, Carlos Ruiz the season before and of course pulled off a blockbuster in 2012 acquiring Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett and Nick Punto.
After July 31st trades are not impossible but they do face more obstacles. For a better understanding of the rules of the August 31st deadline give this article by Andrew Simon of mlb.com a read.
It is no secret that the Dodgers could use upgrades in certain spots. They have been treading water as of late and the most recent loss of Kenley Jansen due to another heart issue.